Dear all,
As you imagine, we have been monitoring the evolution of the COVID-19 virus around the world these last few weeks and discussing the impact that the sanitary measures could have on our community.
This is indeed a challenging time for all of us, given our dedication to nurturing the values of international education and openness, and we all look forward to a prompt return to normality.
At this stage, FAUBAI 2020 Conference has 311 registered participants from 20 different countries. Many of them have already planned their trips and booked accommodations in Belo Horizonte.
We have received many messages from our community: some international colleagues would rather not travel these days and have kindly shared questions regarding the hosting of our event this year. Some others would be ready to go to Belo Horizonte, but cannot due to local recommendations or to the limitations imposed by the airline companies. We would have high difficulties in maintaining the program that we have issued a few weeks ago.
Furthermore, many have also raised the issue of the responsibility that would mean gathering more than 600 persons from all around the world, with the associated risk of transmission. FAUBAI has reached significant international recognition, which also increases our responsibility. The commitment to the health and well-being of all participants and the local host community must be our priority.
Brazil, like many other countries, has registered its first cases of COVID-19 infection, and the numbers are increasing. The Brazilian Ministry of Health advises that all recommendations issued by the World Health Organization are followed to prevent the virus spread in the community, which includes avoiding large-scale events.
For these reasons, and after a thorough reflection, although with great regret, we have decided to postpone the FAUBAI 2020 edition of the conference to the probable date of April 24-28, 2021, in Belo Horizonte.
We expect that you will understand and share this decision. We will be able to either transfer payments to the FAUBAI 2021 Conference or to refund the registrations that have already been made. Additional information will soon be available on a Frequently Asked Questions tab on the Conference Website. We would like to kindly ask you to wait for further instructions.
We really hope our collective good health across the globe will feel more secure, and we can enjoy as ever the FAUBAI Annual Conference next year.
With our apologies and warm regards,
March, 11th, 2020
Maria Leonor Alves Maia
President, FAUBAI