Update on COVID-19 and LibrePlanet 2020

LibrePlanet has an important role in building ties and collaboration in the free software movement, and we know how much many people look forward to it each year. The onset of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a stressful and devastating development. We are considering all possible measures that might need to be taken as we carefully track the latest news updates. We are committed to the safety of our attendees, staff, and their wider communities, so we are approaching these decisions carefully.

At this time, the risk for Massachusetts residents remains low, and there are no travel notifications for the United States or Boston, MA. The latest update from the World Health Organization (WHO) from February 29 continues to advise against the application of any international travel restrictions, based on current information available. For the time being, we are remaining optimistic that LibrePlanet 2020 can continue as planned.

We will continue to monitor public health notifications, using information provided by the City of Boston, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the WHO, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which is charged with monitoring and responding to the coronavirus in the US. We are coordinating with the venue to increase the disinfecting of surfaces and to have sanitizer on site. Please be assured that we care about your safety just as much as your freedom, and are taking every precaution to ensure that the event is as inspiring and successful as ever.

If you have traveled to an area known to be at risk to COVID-19 in the month leading up to LibrePlanet 2020, please ensure that you have shown no flu-like symptoms in the last 14 days since your travel to that region. If you decide to cancel your registration for any reason related to this situation, please let us know at campaigns@fsf.org, so we are fully aware of how many people are being affected. If your registration was paid, we will refund it. The event will be streamed live, so you will not have to miss out on the entire experience.

Should the situation worsen, forcing a cancellation of the in-person event, an announcement will follow on fsf.org and libreplanet.org/2020. All registered conference participants will receive an update via email. We are also preparing contingency plans to be able to offer at least some talks via remote streaming.

Please keep yourself informed, and remember to protect your own health and others' by following basic best practices. Again, we are taking every step that we can to make LibrePlanet 2020 a safe experience for all of its attendees.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding.