Although many countries around the world are starting to recover from Covid-19, the pandemic still poses a health risk to many, and we are taking a number of measures to ensure all attendees can attend the event safely.

We want to assure all PRF Colombia attendees that the forum at Plaza Mayor in Medellín will be safe for everyone. With more than 5,000 guests expected to attend the two-day event, we have left nothing to chance.

Let’s take a closer look at the safety measures that have been put in place to combat the spread of Covid-19 at PRF Colombia.

Safety measures at the venue

Under the guidance of local, regional, and national government, Plaza Mayor has done everything it can to stop the spread of Covid-19 at the venue. You can find the full list of precautions here, but we’ve included the main points below.

The venue boasts the following safeguards:

• Biosecurity technology has been put in place to read attendees’ temperatures.

• Biosecurity technology has been put in place to read attendees’ temperatures.
• Hand sanitising stations have been placed throughout the venue. Employees and visitors are encouraged to make regular use of these.
• Free face masks will be required for both employees and attendees.
• Air is regularly ventilated and replaced with “new” fresh air from outside.
• Additional workers have been employed to regularly disinfect and clean the venue.
• Other corrective and preventative measures will be implemented at regular intervals during the forum itself.

In recognition of these safety measures, the venue has been granted both the Check In Certificado (Check In Certification) seal and Operaciones Bioseguras (Biosecure Operations) certification. Both of these certifications are awarded by Icontec (the Colombian Institute of Technical Standards).

Guidance before and during PRF Colombia

While the Plaza Mayor’s biosecurity measures will help to mitigate the spread of the virus, we’ve also put together a set of Covid-19 guidelines that we strongly recommend you follow if you are attending.

Note that these guidelines apply to all who attend, including exhibitors and visitors, and they are subject to change before and during PRF Colombia.

Travel guidelines for PRF 2022:

• Do not travel to the forum if you are experiencing any Covid-19 symptoms, no matter how mild.
• Do not travel to the forum if you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19 in the last 14 days, or someone who has experienced Covid-19 symptoms.
• Be mindful that international travel guidance varies based on country, and is subject to change. We recommend reviewing national guidelines before you depart. If you are at all unsure, please contact your respective embassy in Colombia.

We also ask that you:

• Regularly wash your hands or sanitise them using the stations provided
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
• Stay up to date with any other local restrictions pertaining to Covid-19 (which are subject to change)
• Inform a PRF representative immediately if you experience any Covid-19 symptoms, even if mild
• Avoid greetings such as hugging, kissing, or handshakes

• Dispose of used paper napkins immediately
• Avoid sharing cups, plates, and cutlery

Furthermore, although some countries have begun to ease the rules regarding face masks, we do ask that attendees wear them whenever possible, covering both their nose and mouth.

For those concerned about cupping sessions, we have implemented a modified cupping protocol that will minimise the risk of transmission and contamination.

Despite these circumstances, we remain incredibly excited and grateful that we can once again welcome coffee professionals from around the world to a PRF event in a coffee-producing country.

If we all work together to stay safe, we can all enjoy a successful and informative event.

If you would like to learn more about Covid-19 and travel ahead of PRF Colombia, please see the WHO Guidelines here.