Update on EHP’s Operations and Processes in Light of COVID-19

In light of recent decisions taken by the Belgian Authorities, the Euroheat & Power team will be working remotely until further notice. Our team can be reached via email. Arrangements for bilateral calls, web-conferences, etc. can be organised as necessary.

We are working closely with the different locations and monitoring the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) to stay up to date and follow the regulations set-out by the competent Belgian Authority (Federal Public Service Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment). For ongoing health updates on COVID-19 in Belgium, please check www.info-coronavirus.be/en

Precautions

It is important to ensure that we all take the necessary precautions to stop the spread of the virus. If, while you are with us at a meeting, event etc. and you are concerned or feel unwell, please follow these steps:

a) Follow the precautions recommended by the ECDC for containing the spread of influenza and other respiratory illnesses including COVID-19:

• Wash your hands thoroughly
• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Avoid close contact and shaking hands with individuals who appear to be sick
• Avoid touching your face (and especially your eyes and mouth) with unwashed hands
• Refrain from visiting outdoor markets
• Avoid direct contact with farm animals and wild animals (either living or dead).

b) Know the first signs of infection. These include:

• a fever
• a cough
• tightness in the chest
• shortness of breath

c) If you are concerned about the recent development of symptoms

• At your hotel: Contact the medical services provided by the hotel. If they are not available, phone the closest public hospital emergency room recommended by the hotel, who can advise whether you should visit or isolate yourself.
• At an EHP event (conference, meeting, social event…): Contact one of the EHP team on site, who will assist in getting access to the closest medical support available

How your travel might be affected

• Expect thermal or other entry screening at airports to detect raised temperatures. You may also see signs requiring that you declare if you have travelled to (or through) one of the affected areas.
• Public health authorities are collaborating with airline operators, in accordance with guidelines, to manage any suspected illness on board an aircraft.
• If you are suspected of being ill, follow the instructions of public health authorities.

General advice

• Please follow the same hygiene advice that you would take to avoid influenza and to stay healthy.
• Use soap or alcohol-based hand wash frequently; wash your hands for at least 20 seconds each time.
• Avoid areas where there are people sneezing; if you need to sneeze or cough cover your mouth or nose with a flexed elbow and dispose of tissues immediately.
• Avoid contact with anyone who is unwell.
• Do not attend sessions if you feel unwell and seek medical advice through the channels described above.
• A free resource about guarding mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic has been kindly shared with us and is available here. 

Updates

We’re committed to keeping you informed if protocols change based on risk assessment.

We will post updates here.