Dear Colleagues,
Even though the 15th Congress of the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry in July in Hamburg is still more than 3 months away the EAPD and the DGKiZ (German Society of Paediatric Dentistry) have been closely monitoring the escalation of COVID-19 Coronavirus across Europe and the rest of the world. At the moment, we face numerous extensive restrictions regarding travel bans and social gatherings implemented by Governments, Health authorities and other agencies. Currently no one can predict the duration or the impact of these restriction measures for the global containment of the virus. In the meantime, we are eagerly awaiting the relevant information from the German and local authorities in Hamburg, regarding the congress.
Taking into consideration this uncertainty, we would like to urge you to seriously reconsider your travel arrangements for the time being. Airlines and hotels are currently showing a great deal of goodwill in terms of cancellations. In case all restrictions will be lifted and it will be possible to go ahead as planned a rebooking of flights and hotel would be easier and more cost-effective than a late cancellation.
We trust you understand that neither the EAPD nor German Society of Paediatric Dentistry can reimburse cancellation fees for travel or hotel bookings.
Some positive news: we are currently working on a compact virtual 1 or 2 day meeting that will take place on the same dates as an alternative solution in case the congress is cancelled. The registrations fees will be adjusted accordingly. With a virtual meeting we would be able to at least deliver some of the exciting content that has been planned.
In case the congress will be cancelled and you are not able to attend the virtual meeting we will reimburse the full registration fee including the social events. However, please allow 60 - 90 days for the refund to be processed.
We really appreciate your support and understanding for this situation and we also kindly ask your patience as we evaluate our next steps.
We will keep you updated with more information, in due course.
Stay safe and healthy!
Jack Toumba
President of the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry
Ulrich Schiffner
Chair of the Local Organizing Committee
Katrin Bekes
President of the German Society of Paediatric Dentistry
