PITTSBURGH – Epistemix, a computational modeling software company that develops simulations to model the spread of diseases and inform policy, has released updated data that speaks to the risk of COVID-19 transmission during Global Pet Expo.
The event is taking place March 23-25 in Orlando. The risk is currently projected at a rate of less than 0.1% of all attendees.
“Creating a controlled environment is crucial for events like Global Pet Expo,” said Dr. Lindsey Reiser, managing director of professional services, Epistemix. “The robust program of safety measures that Global Pet Expo will have in place creates an environment that is 2x lower risk than other activities in Orlando.”
Global Pet Expo’s organizers — the American Pet Products Association and Pet Industry Distributors Association — began working with Epistemix in December to develop mitigation strategies and ensure the safety of all participants. Epistemix data has proven to be 95% accurate when forecasting for past events, according to a press release from Global Pet Expo organizers.
Projections for Global Pet Expo 2022 currently show:
- The Global Pet Expo mask requirement creates a controlled environment that provides a high level of protection from COVID-19. All attendees will be required to wear a mask in all indoor spaces at this year’s event, including all Global Learning Series education sessions, meeting rooms, the Exhibit Hall, as well as special events and networking areas.
- With high mask compliance (>90%), attendees are three times less likely to be exposed to SARS-CoV-2 than in Orlando generally.
- Epistemix projects the risk of infection for 12,000 is less than 0.1% of attendees.
“To ensure success and meet the expectations of our attendees, Global Pet Expo has worked with Epistemix to help us develop policies and protocols to protect our guests and staff,” said Andrew Darmohraj, executive vice president and chief operating officer of APPA. “We remain committed to providing a healthy and safe environment for the entire pet care community to come together for Global Pet Expo 2022, and we are looking forward to seeing everyone in Orlando next month.”
Show organizers and Epistemix will host a webinar, “Minimizing COVID Risk at Global Pet Expo 2022,” for event attendees at 2 p.m. Eastern on Feb. 23.