Over the last several days, concerns about the spread of COVID-19 have mounted, and as a society, we face a situation that is unprecedented. This is a time when we need to listen to the best advice that health experts can provide, and be responsible and thoughtful in how we collectively manage through the days, weeks and months ahead.
This is a challenge that impacts each of us as individuals and our families – and extends to businesses, corporations and organizations, each of whom have a responsibility to take appropriate preventative action to protect staff and customers.
The New Car Dealers of BC (NCDA) takes this matter very seriously and is following the direction of public health officials. This means, each independent member has developed a health and safety plan to protect customers and have full infection prevention and control precautions in place. Each will continue to act upon the latest advice of BC’s health ministry and will adapt operations as necessary and recommended.
As most readers will be aware, because of mounting concerns about COVID-19, the NCDA made the unprecedented decision to postpone the 100th anniversary of the Vancouver International Auto Show. While there is a feeling of disappointment, the decision to postpone the Auto Show was the right thing to do.
The organizing committee had been closely monitoring the escalating situation related to the novel coronavirus for the past several weeks, while also being guided by advice from provincial health officials. With the number of infections dramatically increasing worldwide, and the World Health Organization (WHO) ultimately declaring the outbreak of COVID-19 a global pandemic, the final decision to postpone the show to protect the health of our attendees, exhibitors and all participants became clear.
We are fortunate to live in a society that affords us the luxury of gathering with people from all over the globe to share passions for automobiles, sports, music and culture. Incidences like the one we’re collectively facing at the moment should give us greater appreciation of the joys of everyday life once there is a return to normalcy.
The organizing committee of the Vancouver International Auto Show is very grateful to all our partners including the Vancouver Convention Centre, event sponsors and commercial exhibitors for their understanding and support in this decision. We are equally grateful to everyone who had been eagerly anticipating the show for their cooperation, no matter how disappointing it is to postpone the landmark 100th anniversary edition of the Vancouver International Auto Show.
Until further notice, the onus is on us as individuals and as communities to take responsibility for the health of ourselves and others by handwashing regularly, staying home from work, and making decisions like adjusting major events are some of the steps that we can all take to contain the outbreak of COVID-19—and to make a return to a post-COVID world a reality sooner rather than later.
We will be back – and better than ever !
Until then, take care of yourselves and those around you. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. You can email him at [email protected].
