The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that over 80,000 people worldwide have been infected by COVID-19 or the Coronavirus which already claimed the lives of 2,700 across 35 countries. This has lead one expert to say publicly that it fits the criteria for “Disease X” which is a designated placeholder for the WHO list of illnesses that potentially could reach international epidemic levels.

Marion Koopmans, a member of the WHO emergency committee, and head of viroscience at Erasmus University Medical Center in Rotterdam told Fox News. “After the Ebola crisis in West Africa, they did an in-depth evaluation of what went wrong, and then the so-called R&D blueprint for the emerging disease was developed.”

In light of this many industry trade show organizers have either have moved their event to a different date or canceled it due to the Coronavirus.

Officials at MHI (Material Handling Industry) say the upcoming MODEX 2020 show in Atlanta, Georgia from March 9 – 12, 2020 is still being held as scheduled.

“We encourage exhibitors and attendees to take precautions and follow guidelines set by the CDC when they are onsite at the show. Additionally, before and during MODEX, Georgia World Congress Center staff will repeatedly sanitize high-traffic fomite areas (door handles, handrails, bathrooms, etc.) and provide additional hand sanitizing stations throughout the GWCC campus,” said Carol Miller, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at MHI, the producer of MODEX 2020.  “In addition, as an abundance of caution, MHI will install additional sanitation stations in multiple locations on the MODEX show floor and common areas for the duration of the show,” added Miller.

WHO is working closely with global experts, governments, and partners to rapidly expand scientific knowledge on this new virus, to track the spread and virulence of the virus, and to provide advice to countries and individuals on measures to protect health and prevent the spread of this outbreak.

To learn more about how to protect yourself or questions on the Coronavirus, click here for the most common questions and answers from the WHO.

Here are some simple protective measures for persons who are in or have recently visited (past 14 days) areas where COVID-19 (Coronavirus) is spreading.

• Stay at home if you begin to feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache and a slight runny nose, until you recover. Why? Avoiding contact with others and visits to medical facilities will allow these facilities to operate more effectively and help protect you and others from possible COVID-19 and other viruses.

• If you develop fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical advice promptly as this may be due to a respiratory infection or other serious condition. Call in advance and tell your provider of any recent travel or contact with travelers. Why? Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also help to prevent the possible spread of COVID-19 and other viruses.