News

As concerns about the spread of the COVID-19 virus deepen, the organizer of the Asia Dive Expo (ADEX) has decided to postpone the event, planned for April 17–19. The signature show is held in Singapore, where the number of infections has now reached 75. The 2002–3 outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)—which involved a not-dissimilar coronavirus—led to almost 250 cases in the country and claimed 33 lives.

The organizer, Underwater360, says that the new event dates will be announced “as soon as they are available.” Read the official memorandum below.
 

UPDATE ON 2019 NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) OUTBREAK – CHANGES TO ADEX OCEAN VISION 2020

Dear Esteemed Exhibitor,

Due to the increasing numbers of cases of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) with evidence of local transmissions, the Singapore government raised the country’s risk assessment level from DORSCON Yellow to DORSCON Orange on 7 February 2020. As of today, the Ministry of Health has confirmed a total of 75 cases of the virus across the country.

Under the Disease Outbreak Response System Condition, or DORSCON, an Orange alert means that the outbreak is deemed to have moderate to high public health impact. In light of the DORSCON Orange code, the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI)*, and the Ministry of Health (MOH) advisory to cancel or defer nonessential large-scale events, Underwater360°, the organiser of Asia Dive Expo (ADEX), has taken the decision to postpone the event, originally scheduled for April 17-19, 2020. Underwater360° will be announcing the new event dates as soon as they are available.  

This decision has been reached after an extensive consultation with the relevant government authorities and agencies in Singapore, and in consideration of the challenges faced by the diving and dive tourism sectors due to restrictions on travel and tourism across Asia-Pacific as well as internationally.

Statement from Singapore Tourism Board

“We are working closely with Underwater360°, industry stakeholders and the relevant government agencies, and are committed to supporting the continued success of Asia Dive Expo (ADEX). There is as yet no evidence of widespread community transmission of the novel coronavirus in Singapore and most of our events are still proceeding as planned with added precautions, which is line with the latest advisory from MOH. Our MICE industry continues to operate and remains open for business. Nonetheless, we will continue to stay vigilant, strengthen our defences, and prepare for all scenarios. The health and safety of locals, visitors and industry partners remain a priority and we are monitoring the situation closely,”

– Mr Andrew Phua
Director of Exhibitions and Conference
Singapore Tourism Board

Underwater360° would like to offer assurance that we will continue to work in partnership with the relevant government authorities and agencies to take all necessary measures in accordance with the latest advisories published by the Singapore Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Trade and Industry as we take the safety and health of all our partners, stakeholders, exhibitors, speakers and visitors at utmost importance.

We thank you for all your support, cooperation and patience while we try our best to navigate through this international calamity, and we apologise for any inconvenience caused due to these measures.

Yours sincerely,

Asian Dive Expo (ADEX) Ocean Vision 2020
Organising Committee