Crufts 2020 - Statement from the Kennel Club Regarding Covid-19 (Coronavirus)
We look forward to attending Crufts every year and this year is no different although we, like a lot of our customers and other friends, have been considering the risks of attending such a well-attended event in the context of the current outbreak of Covid-19 (Coronavirus).
Today the Kennel Club, the organisers of the Crufts event, has sent us a statement regarding Coronavrius. The full text of that statement follows, and is also available on the official Crufts website: https://www.crufts.org.uk/press-releases/the-kennel-club-statement-on-coronavirus/.
STATEMENT BY THE KENNEL CLUB ON 28 FEBRUARY 2020
Crufts 2020 is currently due to go ahead as scheduled from 5th – 8th March at the NEC in Birmingham. Public Health England has advised not to cancel the event and we are looking forward to welcoming our exhibitors and visitors.
We continue to monitor the situation closely with the NEC, taking advice from the Department of Health and Social Care, and Defra. We are ensuring all exhibitors are aware of current travel restrictions and guidelines, and adhere to these. All individuals are expected to abide by the advice of their national governments with regard to self-isolation and restrictions on travel.
There will be enhanced measures to help protect our visitors, exhibitors, clients and staff at Crufts. Everyone should note that the main message from Public Health England is on personal hygiene, therefore staff, exhibitors and visitors are also being encouraged to maintain good hand, respiratory and personal hygiene by employing the ‘Catch It. Bin It. Kill It’ ethos. Additional signage and bottles of hand sanitiser will be introduced in toilets and the in-hall catering areas, to make it easier for everyone to clean their hands. In addition Crufts will be supplying a hand sanitiser station at each public and dog exhibitor entrance.
Further updates, as and when we have them, will be issued on our official social media channels and website. The Kennel Club recommends that those with concerns about the coronavirus, follow guidelines set out by the World Health Organisation www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public and follow government advice www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public.
Speculation regarding dogs and coronavirus in Hong Kong
Our absolute priority is the health of all dogs and visitors at Crufts. We are aware that there is speculation that a pet dog in Hong Kong has tested weak positive for Covid-19. There are ongoing tests to determine whether this is due to environmental contamination and at this stage there is no change to the veterinary guidance.
The World Health Organisation has also stated: ‘At present, there is no evidence that companion animals/pets such as dogs or cats can be infected with the new coronavirus.’
We will continue to monitor this situation closely and liaise with the Government and the British Veterinary Association, who have the most up-to-date scientific and medical facts regarding the virus. Further updates regarding Crufts, as and when we have them, will be issued on our official social media channels and website.
In the meantime, the World Health Organisation and Public Health England provide official, up-to-date information on travel and health advice.
International exhibitors
Crufts welcomes everyone. However, we have contacted some international competitors to ensure they are aware of and adhere to advice from the World Health Organisation and their own government regarding travelling to Crufts from areas most at risk of coronavirus. Anyone with queries regarding travelling and coronavirus are advised to seek up-to-date information from their country's government/embassy and the World Health Organisation.
Vanessa McAlpine (Crufts Show Manager) and Ian Gabriel, BSc (Hons), MBBS, MRCP, PhD, MRCP, FRCPath (Crufts Chief Medical Officer and Kennel Club Vice Chairman)
--- STATEMENT ENDS ---
All Kennel Club statements relating to Crufts and Coronavarius are available on the Crufts website: The Kennel Club statements on Coronavirus