Due to Coronavirus American College of Cardiology Cancels Meeting

The American College of Cardiology announced yesterday the cancellation of its annual meeting due to concerns about the coronavirus outbreak. The ACC/WCC meeting was to be held in Chicago at the end of the month, attracting physicians and researchers from around the world. This is the first time in its 69-year history that the meeting has been cancelled the organizers say. 

The announcement, which was posted on the conference webpage, cited updated recommendations from the CDC, WHO, and state and local governments, as well as the increasing number of travel advisories and restrictions being placed on health care providers, hospitals and institutions in the U.S. and globally.

The ACC/WCC is just one of many large gatherings that has been cancelled amid concerns of the spread of the virus.  Medical and scientific meetings like the ACC/WCC appear to have taken the issue to heart, recognizing that many of their own members may be both safer and of better use at home.

“The health, safety and well-being of our members, staff, exhibitors, faculty, and the patients we serve is of paramount importance. With an ever-increasing number of ACC members on the front lines of preparing and reacting to the COVID-19 outbreak, we believe it is in the best interest of everyone to cancel the meeting and ensure our members are able to do what they do best – help and heal.”  The College wrote.

The conference will not be rescheduled, but organizers say to watch for updates in the coming days about plans to deliver some conference elements virtually.  They have also created a FAQ page to help answer questions about travel and refunds.

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