Only four days to go to the 9th International IWA Odour and VOC/Air Emissions Conference. We are gearing up towards the event and with this, it is important to to talk about what measures we will have in place in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic. The health and well-being of our guests and colleagues is always our top priority. We strictly follow the measures that the Basque government have announced for people staying in the Basque Country, but what else are we doing to ensure a safe experience for you?

   We have taken further actions to ensure you have a safe stay in Bilbao and to try to tackle coronavirus (COVID-19) issues during this event. Below you will find the actions we have taken to provide you with a safe and comfortable experience on our conference. 

 Use of Masks

   Except for some major events with several thousands of attendants, most of the events programmed in Spain are being carried out. We have known about these events, and we have learnt from them. At this stage, it is still required to wear a mask in indoor areas. This requirement may be lifted by the date of the conference. Please check this article regularly for updates on this issue.

   In this event we have a big hall and spaces for a good separation distance. Good news is that this hall has quick access to a cosy outdoor space for resting without the mask. You may remove your mask in the big area outdoor, provided that you keep a minimum 1.5 m separation distance. In the outdoor area, there is plenty of space to allow this setback distance for several hundreds of attendants.

   Eating and Drinking

   We have a designated area in which food will be served. This is the only area in which you are permitted to cosnume, drinks and food, apart from water. All coffees, teas, snacks and lunches will be served within this area. As it is closely situated to the exhibition hall where there will be a number of booths and poster displays, you can drink water in these areas but it is important to respect the no other consumables outwith the designated area rule to ensure your safety and others.

   Vaccination

 We ask you to bring a vaccination certificate such as the EU Digital Covid Certificate or a similar one as a proof that you have either 1) been vaccinated against COVID-19, 2) received a negative test result or 3) recovered from COVID-19.

   Unfortunately, at this stage we are not allowing people without this digital certificate, or similar proof to access this event. Please check this page regularly for more news about this.

   Other measures

• Shaking hands and hugs will probably be allowed during this event. However, at this stage, physical contact should be avoided. Instead, we will welcome you the Japanese way: with a respectful bow.
• In public areas stations,  tissues and disinfectants will be provided.
• In case you are starting to get cold-like symptoms during the stay, please inform us.
• Our team is available in the lobby for guidance and advice. 

This information will be updated regularly, please check this page to stay updated on issues related to the coronavirus safety measures. A dedicated project leader will be appointed to ensure we comply with all measures. Please contact us here for any doubt or question. 

Last revision: 22nd of October 2021

_{(1) As of today, 78.35% of the Spanish population is fully vaccinated and 80% of the population received at least one dose. Our estimation is that except for around 2.5% of the population that, at this stage, do not wish to be vaccinated the whole population will be vaccinated by the 26th of October.}

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