SACRAMENTO, CA. January 18, 2022–Despite the presence of the Omicron variant, the latest modeling (January 17) projects the risk of COVID transmission during the January 25-27 Unified Wine & Grape Symposium at a rate of less than 2 cases per 10,000 guests, a figure below the CDC threshold for safe travel.
Unifieds management committee requested that Epistemix, a computational modeling company that creates simulations to predict the spread and spread of disease, provide a new model to reflect the latest conditions. Dr. Lindsey Reiser from Epistemix said that yesterday’s results showed that guests attending next week’s show are four times less likely than those in Sacramento County to be exposed to SARS/CoV-2 because of the safety measures implemented by Unified.
The national rise in COVID infection is, understandably, alarming. Omicron has reached its peak in the Northwest United States, and will likely do so in California soon. However, we want to ensure that the industry has safe and informative opportunities to meet, discuss, and exchange emerging trends. John Aguirre is a member of the Unified LLC managing committee. These most recent modeling results have given us confidence.
Unified organizers have increased safety measures to protect guests, in addition to hosting the Unified Sacramentos new SAFE Credit Union Convention Center. These safety measures include:
- Prerequisite: Safe Expo screening service before Convention Center entry
- Masking is required for all guests, participants, staff
- Evidence of recent negative COVID tests or proof of vaccination
- COVID testing is available on-site
- Elimination of large scale tasting events such as the Tuesday reception and Wednesday regional wine tastings, as well as Thursday lunch
The management team at Unified Symposiums has been working closely with Epistemix since August to develop mitigation strategies that will improve and ensure the safety of the conference. Yesterday’s modeling results were just one of a series of tests that Epistemix has done to help show organizers. The Unified Symposium will continue its collaboration with Epistemix in order to provide updates for exhibitors and attendees.
About Epistemix
Epistemix empowers leaders to make better decision by simulating how disease, ideas, or behavior spread through communities. We draw on decades of epidemiological expertise, diverse data sets, and scientific best-practice in order to create computational models that predict the health effects of policy interventions so that organizations can make informed decisions. We are currently working with schools districts, state governments, event organizers and companies in the United States to evaluate open strategies and gauge COVID-19 responses. Visit this page to find out more. www.epistemix.com.
About Unified Wine & Grape Symposium
The Unified Symposium was created with the input of growers and vintners, and has been a clearinghouse for information important to the wine and grape industry professionals for 27 year. The Unified Symposium hosts the largest trade show in the industry. Visit www.unifiedsymposium.com for more information and to register. www.unifiedsymposium.org.