In recent weeks, Messe Duesseldorf has concerned itself very intensively with the subject of SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome).

• Messe Duesseldorf supports the recommendations of the WHO and the Robert Koch Institute. We have summarised the provisions below.
   
• During the coming international events, Messe Duesseldorf is organising medical stations in all the entrance areas of the Fair centre which will be staffed by persons trained in the handling of infectious diseases such as SARS. The help for all visitors and exhibitors has been planned in collaboration with the health authorities and the specialist departments of the Florence Nightingale Clinic in Duesseldorf-Kaiserswerth.
   
• Initial information about SARS will be given to travellers on arrival at the airports of Duesseldorf and Frankfurt.
   
• In particular, Messe Duesseldorf is sending multi-language information on the subject of SARS to all employees, contract partners and customers on the spot. This information is also available at the same time at all information offices of the Duesseldorf Fairs. This communication states exactly what the further procedure is should a case of SARS is suspected.
   
• For the rapid diagnosis/identification of suspected cases, examination facilities are available in all entrance areas from where possible patients can be taken to the specialist hospitals.

• Messe Duesseldorf also attaches importance to increased personal hygiene. Special attention will be paid to the sanitary rooms/ restrooms in the Fair area. All users will be offered additional facilities here for the cleaning and disinfection of the hands. Appropriate attention will be paid to the cleaning of the rooms by the use of special cleaning and disinfection agents.
   
• Messe Duesseldorf supports the recommendations of the WHO and the Robert Koch Institute for avoiding intensive physical contact (holding hands, shaking hands, kissing, embracing).

In all its activities, Messe Duesseldorf is proceeding on the basis of co-ordinated emergency plans in constant touch with the health authorities and emergency units so that it will be constantly informed of the latest developments and at the same time is able to act directly and immediately if necessary. With the precautionary measures taken, it is ensured that there should be no reason for panic reactions in the area of the Fair. Under these conditions, a closing of the Fair area, the postponement or cancellation of fairs, as is the case at present in Shanghai in the New International Expo Centre in which Messe Duesseldorf is involved, is not currently regarded as necessary by any authority at this point in time. Travel restrictions by the German authorities for travellers from the regions affected are not to be reckoned with at the present time.

• Hints for Exhibitors and Visitors of the Exhibition Ground
  (WORD File for Download)

Further informationen on SARS:

Foreign Office
http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/www/de/laenderinfos/gesundheitsdienst/merkblatt/hinweis_sars_html

Robert Koch Institute
http://www.rki.de/INFEKT/INFEKT.HTM?/INFEKT/ARSUU.HTM&1

WHO
http://www.who.int/csr/sars/en/

Your contact:
Messe Duesseldorf GmbH
Ingo Lentz
Head of Public Relations Department
Phone: +49 (0)211 4560-995
E-Mail: LentzI@messe-duesseldorf.de

Further information