Amid concerns about the spread of the novel coronavirus, the American College of Cardiology has canceled a major conference set for later this month in Chicago.
The World Congress of Cardiology, scheduled for March 28-30 at McCormick Place, was expected to draw 18,000-plus attendees.
Visitors from 108 countries were expected, with 260 exhibitors signed up.
It is the first time in 69 years the group’s Annual Scientific Session will not be held live and in person, the organization said in a statement.
“Our decision to cancel our flagship annual event was not taken lightly,” the College said in a statement posted online that cited “the increasing number of travel advisories and restrictions being placed on health care providers and hospitals and institutions in the U.S. and globally.”
It continued: “The health, safety and well-being of our members, staff, exhibitors, faculty, and the patients we serve is of paramount importance. With an ever-increasing number of ACC members on the front lines of preparing and reacting to the COVID-19 outbreak, we believe it is in the best interest of everyone to cancel the meeting and ensure our members are able to do what they do best – help and heal.”
With the cancellation, McCormick Place now has lost four major shows due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The cardiology’s statement added that “ACC leadership and staff are hard at work to not only provide COVID-19 guidance and preparedness tips to the entire cardiovascular care team, we are also developing ways to recognize our award winners and deliver the important science and education from ACC.20/WCC directly to you.”
This is a developing story. Check chicago.suntimes.com for updates.
Contributing: Fran Spielman
Due to @CDC, @WHO #COVID19 reports, and in the best interest of our attendees and the #CVD patients whom they serve around the globe, #ACC20/#WCCardio is canceled. Virtual meeting options in the works. More here: https://t.co/grLqqyP1wc pic.twitter.com/K3D298Xufc
— American College of Cardiology (@ACCinTouch) March 9, 2020
