March 12, 2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
In light of the World Health Organization’s official declaration of a COVID 19 Pandemic, and the Austrian Health Ministry’s cancellation of indoor events with more than 100 people through the beginning of April, the OARSI Board of Directors is reviewing the situation daily in order to determine the fate of the Congress.
This is a difficult decision for a variety of reasons; we will inform you immediately of any change in the Congress status currently scheduled for April 30-May 3, 2020 in Vienna, Austria.
We suggest that you refrain from making non-refundable hotel and travel bookings related to the congress until further notice.
We will provide more details and information on our website at OARSI.org and through our social media channels in the days ahead.
Thank you for your consideration and understanding.
Sincerely,
Ali Mobasheri
OARSI President
February 27, 2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
The COVID-19 situation is fluid as the 2020 Annual Congress in Vienna approaches. OARSI leadership and management are following guidance from the WHO, CDC, and the Austrian authorities, with the goal of protecting the health and well-being of OARSI members.
At present the OARSI 2020 Congress is “on” and we continue our preparations to deliver an exceptional meeting. This plan is consistent with current guidance available from WHO and CDC, who have not called for a ban on non-essential travel to Austria. If Austrian authorities, WHO, or CDC suggest a ban on non-essential travel to Vienna, we will cancel or postpone the 2020 Congress.
We are working with the conference center in Vienna to implement rigorous infection control measures. These include provision of hand sanitizer dispensers in numerous locations and frequent cleaning of surfaces, microphones and other objects that could potentiate spread of virus.
We are investigating the possibility of making some accommodation for remote participation for those under a travel ban. We will provide updates directly to speakers and registered attendees as these plans progress.
Registrants who are now unable or unwilling to attend may, on or before April 1, request a refund of their registration fee, minus a $75 non-refundable fee. Registrants from countries banned from travel to Vienna will receive a full refund of the registration fee. Similarly, if the conference is cancelled, registrants will receive a full refund. Members will be responsible for their own travel and housing commitments. We will not refund abstract submission fees. Abstracts will be published in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage whether you attend or not.
We will keep monitoring the COVID-19 situation closely. Please check the OARSI home page frequently and feel free to contact info@oarsi.org if you have questions.