(4 Mar 2020) Heads of various industry associations gathered in Washington to ask the public to "'remain calm" and don't panic in the wake of the coronavirus. "And our message is very simple," said CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Thomas Donohue.
"Be safe. If you don't feel well, stay home but otherwise let's go to work, because we have to keep people fed. We have to keep them mobile. We have to keep them educated. And this is a very, very important time for us to act, not to react."
The gathering of top industry officials in Washington to help calm consumer fears comes as many companies are cutting back on business travel, with some even stopping all staff trips.
Online retailer Amazon told its 800,000 workers to postpone any non-essential travel, while Swiss food giant Nestle instructed its 291,000 employees to halt international travel until mid-March.
Many companies and organizations are opting instead for virtual meetings and even making major announcements about new product presentations online.
The World Heath Organization says about 3.4% of people infected with the COVID-19 virus globally have died, making it more fatal than the common flu.
In the U.S., more than 120 cases have been reported. Nine people have died, all in and around Seattle, Washington.
On Capitol Hill, lawmakers were expected to finalize an agreement Wednesday on a $7.5 billion emergency bill to fund work on a virus vaccine and other measures.
"As Americans, we should react appropriately and avoid overreacting," said U.S. Travel Association President, Roger Dow.
"I often say without safety and security, there can be no travel. And that's true today and as have been with previous challenges. That's why we're in collaboration with the CDC, HHS officials and why we listen closely to the guidance for travelers offered by the CDC and other public health officials. We're urging the vast industry to share this message and we're encouraging traveling public to practice it."
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