In the midst of the novel coronavirus outbreak, experts have confirmed that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the City of Boston remains at low risk at this time. The BCEC and the Hynes are open for business and we are committed to providing a safe and secure environment for your events.
The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) has established daily and weekly coordination procedures with local and federal (CDC, WHO) partners on the most up to date policies and procedures. In addition, the MCCA is working closely with Massachusetts General Hospital to receive assistance and advice on medical best practices for our events, staff, and contractors.
The MCCA is also part of an international task force on COVID-19 through AIPC that is developing best practices for the international convention industry.
All Public Safety staff at the BCEC and Hynes have been trained on the department’s Pandemic Flu Protocol consistent with current CDC and World Health Organization (WHO) protocols. Our Public Safety Team is First Responder trained and has been updated on the protocols and questions given to us by Boston EMS and the CDC.
Additional facility and cleaning preparations have also been put in place:
• The deployment of hand sanitizing stations in public areas has increased by 75% by means of liquid dispensers and hand towels stations. In addition, the MCCA offers liquid hand sanitizer in all of its restroom exit locations.
• Enhanced public space and restroom cleaning and disinfection efforts are ongoing. Cleaning efforts and staff levels have doubled during event hours with dedicated teams concentrating on all touch points (door handles, elevator buttons, escalator handrails, and restroom surfaces) which are cleaned prior to show opening and continuously during event hours.
• The cleaning staff has received additional training on the preventative cleaning measures necessary to halt the transmission of the virus on common surfaces and on their personal protection measures needed to safely perform during their workday.
• The number of complete air exchanges through the HVAC programming controls within each facility has increased.
• Our facilities have EPA-certified, hospital grade disinfectants in line with the CDC guidelines that disinfect surfaces in 60 seconds.
• All digital media displays are displaying flu prevention messaging.
• Signage and posters have been placed in the back of house areas to remind staff of good hygiene.
Please continue to follow the guidelines set forth by the CDC and World Health Organization and share with your own staff and event attendees:
• Get a flu shot
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
• Avoid shaking hands and consider other greetings like an elbow bump or a fist bump, or even just a wave.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Avoid sneezing or coughing on exposed skin. If this happens, immediately disinfect the area.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• If you are sick or diagnosed with the flu, stay home
The MCCA continues to work closely with clients, contractors, and exhibitors for our upcoming events across our venues. We will continue updating you on the situation as more information becomes available. In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to contact your sales manager with any questions or concerns.