Postponement of IPCRG 10th world conference to 6-8 May 2021

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the postponement of the IPCRG 10th World Conference planned for the 28-30 May 2020 in Dublin due to the growing concerns about international travel because of COVID-19. Whilst we have been closely monitoring the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) as well as the Irish government over the past weeks, recent global developments have made it clear to us that the most responsible reaction to the increasing uncertainty is for us to postpone the conference.

This has been a very difficult decision to make as we were all looking forward to getting together in Dublin in May. Many GPs, family physicians, nurses, and other allied health care professionals who were planning to attend are being told that preparation for COVID-19 in their home countries must come before all other commitments.  We fully respect that, because primary care is at the frontline for patients who remain at the epicentre of IPCRG care, educational and research activities. An increase in restrictions on international travel imposed both by institutions and countries is also likely to significantly increase over the next few weeks.

Rescheduled date 
We are happy that we have been able to work with our venue, Croke Park, Dublin to reschedule our 10th World Conference to the 6-8th May 2021 and we hope you will be able to join us then. We plan to go ahead then with the excellent plenary programme that we had planned for this year, with relevant updates.  We are exploring alternative arrangements including online options for abstract presentations, updates on IPCRG's many excellent research and education programmes, side meetings and the Annual General Meeting.

Communication
Letters are being issued to registered delegates, speakers, abstract presenters and sponsors with further information.  We will issue further information on any online programmes once they are arranged. These are likely to take place either during the original dates of 28-30 May, or after that.

Action
Please

1. Hold the 28-30 May 2020 for online activities and look out for updates 
2. Add 6-8 May 2021 to your diaries
3. If you are a speaker/abstract presenter/registered delegate look out for the letter from our Conference Team with further information.
4. Stay safe: we list some links to primary care guidance below

Kind regards

Siân
Siân Williams on behalf of the Conference Executive
Chair of the Scientific Programme Committee, Dublin

Ioanna
Ioanna Tsiligianni
IPCRG President