In this post, we are looking at the science and data surrounding COVID-19 and how it might translate to the capability of reopening events and trade shows. Don’t forget, you can watch the recent Mitigating Risk and Moving Forward webinar featuring The Expo Group’s Public Health Advisor Lauren Sauer here.
COVID-19 Stats
Percent Positivity: Big Stat for Moving Forward Together
Why it matters: Percent positivity shows the percent of positive results per number of COVID tests and helps us see the if interactions in the local community are safe. Communities with a positivity rate under 5% are considered safe with reasonable precautions.
Latest Data – November 3, 2020
| State | Positivity Rate | Trending? |
| NEVADA | 10.2% | UP |
| FLORIDA | 6% | UP |
| ILLINOIS | 8.3% | UP |
| CALIFORNIA | 3.2% | DOWN |
SOURCE: https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/testing/tracker/overview
What it Means: When the percent positivity dips under 5% most public health professionals are more open to loosening restrictions on large gatherings.
Medical Advancements
Vaccines: Making Progress
courtesy of the Washington Post
Why it matters: Availability of a vaccine has been tracked to consumer willingness to travel and gather as well as government willingness to open up venues
Latest Data https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2020/health/covid-vaccine-update-coronavirus/
What it means: Operation Warp Speed with vaccines in the United States has shown how collaboration can benefit everyone and brings attention to the proven scientific processes.
Rapid Testing: Effective Use Matters
Why it matters: Availability of rapid, low-cost testing makes it easier for event organizers to create and deploy testing procedures that – when used properly and in conjunction with other protections — will enable safe gatherings. Testing landscape continues to shift.
Latest Data: https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/coronavirus-testing-basics
What it means: Accuracy continues to improve but questions continue especially in asymptomatic people. Know what test proves what.
Therapeutics: Helping People Heal
courtesy of NY Times
Why it matters: New treatments for COVID-19 are subject to trials and approvals, so passing those hurdles can increase confidence in people that if they get sick, they can be healed.
Latest Data SOURCE: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/science/coronavirus-drugs-treatments.html
What it means: Medical professionals are finding new and better treatments for those infected.
Human Behavior
PPE: Mastering the Basics
courtesy Ian MacKay
Trust: Shared Responsibilities
Why it matters: People’s willingness to adopt personal protective measures and trust in others’ adoption helps raise trust overall
Travel: Safe in Planes, Trains and Automobiles
Why it matters: Trust in the process to arrive from someone’s home to an event must be secured to support trust in the event experience overall.
Latest Data: SOURCE: TSA Checkpoint travels
2020 travel numbers compared to 2019 = 36%*
*average over 7 days week of November 1
What it means: Our public health advisor shared on the webinar she personally would be comfortable flying if fellow travelers and companies were taking the appropriate measures, which brings us back to “swiss cheese.” Be sure to listen to the entire conversation with Lauren Sauer here.
This is not medical advice. If these data points are helpful to you, let us know in the comments and we will continue to update.