As you are aware, there are growing concerns by the hour about the Coronavirus outbreak, with increased warnings by public health officials and Ohio’s Governor, especially now that there are over 1,000 cases of the virus in our country and three positive cases in the Cleveland area. For that reason, the OPPA held an emergency meeting of its board (Council) late last evening to discuss the upcoming Annual Psychiatric Update, scheduled for this coming weekend, March 14-15, in Columbus.
Governor Mike DeWine stated in a press conference yesterday, “We are now at a critical time here in Ohio in regards to the coronavirus. The decisions that we make as individuals in the next few days, the next several weeks, will really determine how many lives are going to be lost in Ohio.”
In an effort to minimize the potential for the spread of the Coronavirus, the OPPA Council voted to cancel the meeting for the safety and well-being of its participants, speakers, exhibitors and all involved. The OPPA Council members agreed unanimously that “there is no meeting or other public gathering worth the risk of spreading the new Coronavirus, especially in these times of utmost uncertainty.”
We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding. We look forward to seeing you at the next OPPA educational event.
Best regards,
Victoria Kelly, MD
President