On February 28, 2020, the Federal Government's Coronavirus Crisis Unit decided that major events such as trade fairs can still take place. However, they are to be subject to a risk assessment based on a comprehensive list of criteria from the Robert Koch Institute before being held. The Robert Koch Institute continuously records the current situation, evaluates all information and assesses the risk to the population in Germany. The risk to public health in Germany is still considered to be low to moderate.

"We are in daily coordination with Landesmesse Stuttgart and the local authorities. We are following the guidelines and instructions of the Esslingen health authority and the Leinfelden-Echterdingen public order office," explains LogiMAT Exhibition Director Michael Ruchty. "The Esslingen health authority also confirmed to Messe Stuttgart and to us on Friday, February 28, that there are currently no concerns about holding LogiMAT 2020 or other trade fairs in Stuttgart."

As the authorities do not currently see any increased risk for exhibitors and visitors, LogiMAT - 18th International Trade Fair for Intralogistics Solutions and Process Management will therefore take place as planned in Stuttgart from March 10 to 12. The trade fair organizer has compiled up-to-date information on the measures agreed with Messe Stuttgart and ordered by the local authorities on the LogiMAT website.

Persons who have been in areas classified as "risk areas" by the Robert Koch Institute in the last 14 days are not permitted to enter the LogiMAT exhibition grounds during set-up and dismantling times or during the event. All exhibitors who come from these risk areas and countries have been informed of these measures and have already been obliged to provide self-disclosure in the run-up to the LogiMAT trade fair. 72 exhibitors have had to cancel their participation in the trade fair (as of March 1). Of these, seven exhibitors come from Italy and 41 from China.

In addition, the trade fair organizer Euroexpo, together with Landesmesse Stuttgart, will take all necessary measures on site at the trade fair grounds, which go far beyond the installation of numerous disinfectant dispensers. The cleaning and disinfection of the grounds, in particular the toilet facilities, handrails, elevators and (door) handles, will also be carried out intensively. "As the organizer of LogiMAT, we support the current "no hands" campaign, which recommends refraining from shaking hands. Against the current backdrop, this is not impolite, but another prudent recommendation," says Ruchty.

"We are looking forward to Stuttgart. We are looking forward to the more than 1,640 exhibitors and the 21,300 pre-registered visitors (as of March 1) via online tickets. It goes without saying that we will do everything in our power to ensure a successful and healthy LogiMAT 2020 for exhibitors and visitors," says Exhibition Director Michael Ruchty."

An inquiry from materialfluss as to how the number of visitors registered via online tickets so far relates to the approx. 61,000 trade fair admissions reported in 2019 is ongoing and will be updated here.