Entitled ‘What to Know About the Coronavirus, Toys & Toy Fair’, the update details the latest facts and tips for show attendees.
The Toy Association states that it is closely monitoring the threats posed to members of the global toy community by the coronavirus outbreak and continues to work with the Jacob K. Javits Center to ensure ample on-site safety precautions are in place, including making sanitizing and disinfection materials widely and readily available for public use.
Toy Fair has decided not to adopt a “no-handshake policy,” but encourages all show attendees to use their own judgment in helping prevent the spread of all germs. Advice from The World Health Organization suggests frequent handwashing; covering the mouth or nose when coughing and sneezing; maintaining a proper social distance (about three feet); avoiding touching the eyes, nose and mouth; and seeking medical care if symptoms present.
The Association stresses that, at the time of writing, there have been no reported cases of coronavirus in New York City or New York State, and highlights information from the CDC which confirms there is currently no evidence to support the spread of the virus through imported goods (i.e. products or packages shipped from China).
Toy Fair New York’s China Pavilion has been cancelled, while show attendees from China have been notified that they are subject to the US travel ban, which bars entry for all non-residents and non-nationals that have been in mainland China over the past 14 days. All visitors travelling to New York should be prepared for screenings at major New York international airports, including JFK and Newark, which may lead to travel delays.
“With plans set, precautions in place, and the annual success of Toy Fair New York for our exhibitors, buyers, and attendees foremost, we are as well focused on the impact the coronavirus is having, and may likely continue to have, on manufacturing for the summer and holiday-selling seasons,” said Steve Pasierb, president & CEO of The Toy Association. “On the heels of achieving the U.S.-China Phase One trade deal, our members are faced with more uncertainty through extended suspension of work in both toy factories and elsewhere in the essential vertical supply chain that has made China an important global toy manufacturing hub. If the Chinese government continues to suspend work and prevent travel between provinces, workers will certainly be negatively impacted, the toy economy disrupted, and the global economy damaged.”
The full statement can be accessed here.
