This weekend marks the 15th time that BCC will hold its annual women’s conference. The spread of the coronavirus has raised last-minute questions, but through cooperation with both local and national health authorities, the conference will go on as planned.

By Johanne Reiersrud – Photo by BCC

BCC has been closely monitoring the coronavirus situation ahead of its international women’s conference. After a thorough assessment by the municipal doctor and in consultation with the national health authorities, it was made clear that there was no basis for cancelling the upcoming conference.

“The decision to proceed was made in cooperation with the municipal doctor in Sandefjord, along with the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. In addition, we have taken several preventatives measures to protect community spread,” says Berit Hustad Nilsen, the Communications Manager at BCC.

This yearly event is one that many people look forward to, and over the past two weeks BCC has received many questions from attendees about the coronavirus situation and how it might affect their conference plans.

“We have communicated to all attendees that following the authorities’ recommendations is the biggest priority,” says Hustad Nilsen.

Because of these health guidelines, attendees from countries where the virus is widespread, or who have been travelling in these countries, are not allowed to attend the conference.

Precautionary measure

“We have taken precautions by requesting that everyone with any symptoms of disease, or who have been in areas where the virus is present during the last 14 days, to stay home. In addition, we will be implementing preventative hygiene measures during the conference,” says Hustad Nilsen.

And although the atmosphere is light, evidence of the current situation is present throughout the conference facilities. There are posters about hand hygiene, and information on the screens reminds to avoid hugging and handshakes.

This does not dampen the mood among attendees, who are gathered once again to be strengthened in their Christian faith. The program began on Saturday, the 7^{th of} March and ends on Sunday morning.