COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Update

##### [See latest conference update here](https://midwestphp.org/blog/76/covid-19-coronavirus-update-2)

Over the last several weeks we have received a lot of questions about Midwest PHP, the effect of the Coronovirus on the conference, and the measures we are taking to ensure attendee safety.

#### Midwest PHP 2020 will take place as scheduled from April 2-4, 2020 at the Marriott City Center in Minneapolis, MN.

While we place our attendees health and safety above all else, based on current information we believe the risk to attendees is relatively low. However, we are continuing to monitor updates and recommendations from the [CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html?utm_source=hp_slideshow&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=dhsgov) and [WHO](https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019).

##### Based on these guidelines, and as an extra precaution, we are asking anyone who is at-risk, including elderly attendees and attendees with underlying health issues or who are immunocompromised to consider attending the conference virtually through our free Beginner Stream or Nomad PHP.

Any registered attendee who does not feel comfortable attending in person will be provided with free access to these streams simply by [contacting us](/feedback).

We are also proactively taking steps to protect our attendees and reduce the risk of transmission of both the flu and COVID-19.

**These steps include:**

* Disease transmission and sanitation training among Midwest PHP staff who will be responsible for monitoring and ensuring compliance

* Working with the Marriott City Center Minneapolis to ensure a clean, and disinfected conference venue

* Working with our caterers to reduce the risk of transmission through meals/ attendees touching meals

* Asking all attendees to practice good hygiene and health best practices including hand washing

* Providing ample stations for hand washing and hand sanitizer to attendees on demand

We'd also ask our attendees to remember the best defense against the spread of viruses like the flu and COVID-19 is good hygiene and regular hand washing (20 seconds with soap and water - ie sing the Happy Birthday song).

**Additional steps you can take:**

* When soap and water is not available, use hand sanitizer

* Cover your mouth and/or nose when coughing and sneezing (and then wash your hands)

* Avoid touching your face including your mouth, nose, and eyes before washing your hands

* Avoid touching others including shaking hands, hugging, or other person to person contact

* Avoid sharing plates, cups, silverware, or other items that can spread viruses

* Keep a distance of 6 feet or more from others to avoid airborne droplets

* Wear a mask if you are sick and coughing or sneezing to prevent airborne droplets from spreading (if you are not sick, there is no evidence that a mask will help or protect you)

We thank everyone for their support of Midwest PHP, and for sharing your questions and concerns. At anytime you can reach out to us for additional information. We look forward to seeing you on April 2, 2020 - and will update Midwest PHP, this page, and make announcements via email and social media should the situation change.