March 9, 2020

Dear Colleagues,

You will all be aware of the ongoing impacts of COVID-19. It is with deepest regret that we announce that we have decided that we need to cancel our conference in Auckland next week.

Work and travel restrictions have meant that the number of speakers who are unable to attend has risen exponentially in the last few days. The number of speaker cancellations has been such that we can no longer offer a cohesive program. We also acknowledge that many delegates are feeling increasingly uneasy about leaving their practices at the moment. We acknowledge the contribution that all our members are making in response to this global threat. We are exploring ways to provide you with educational material in the coming weeks.

You will understand that we have not made this decision lightly, which is why we have waited until the last possible moment before cancelling. We have been making continual risk assessments and decisions as this epidemic unfolds, a correct decision made one day may not hold for the next. We acknowledge that cancelling the conference will significantly impact many of you, but at this point in time given the pace at which things are changing and the unpredictability of what will happen, it is the only option we have.

Sincerely,

APTHC Conference Committee

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