Re: IETF 107 Vancouver In-Person Meeting Cancelled

[Olivier MJ Crépin-Leblond <[e-mail]>]

I think you are missing the point. And I can say that because as late as
a couple of weeks ago, I was missing the point too.
As more and more countries are entering the tunnel of fear caused by
Covid-19, one pattern that is emerging is the exponential growth of
affected people. So 3 days ago you might have been in a country with
very few cases, and then it all blows out of proportion at an alarming
rate. The root reason of this, is that it appears that healthy segments
of the population might feel very light unease, like having light
flu-like symptoms, a slight headache, a persistent cough, nothing to
worry about really. Many people who got tested positive went around
their business for a number of days because they did not really feel
ill. And indeed the overwhelming number of people catching this virus
will sail through it in a few days with no lasting effects whatsoever.
But they will act as carriers, vectors for spreading the virus further
and this is where there is a big problem: a certain segment of the
population appears to be particularly affected, particularly senior
citizens and those with an already existing pathology, however mild that
might be.
The question we should be asking ourselves is: do we want to be vectors
for transmitting the virus and pass it on to some people who might end
up in critical condition from it?
Through the cancellation of now 5 meetings that I was supposed to attend
in March and April, I have already personally lost a lot of money. I
hate it. Some hotels and airlines are now only starting to be ready to
give me (partial) refunds under conditions, or change the dates of
travel, but my losses for the time being are still real. My business is
also suffering as I consciously know that we are heading for drastic
confinement measures like that which were needed in countries that were
affected so far - and watch as the week goes by how quickly things are
happening. There is now mass cancellation of large gatherings and whilst
I laughed about it and was quite upset about cancellations a couple of
weeks ago, I now think it's the right thing. The sooner we stop the
spread of Covid-19 the sooner we can go back to business. Whatever it takes.
Kindest regards,

Olivier

On 10/03/2020 20:57, JORDI PALET MARTINEZ wrote:
>
> Exactly! With this decision we just spread fear.
>
>  
>
> A total no-sense unless really Canada ban the meetings (and that will
> allow those that pre-paid NON-REFUNDABLE rates for hotels and flights,
> get it refunded).
>
>  
>
> Regards,
>
> Jordi
>
> @jordipalet
>
>  
>
>  
>
>  
>
> El 10/3/20 20:46, "ietf en nombre de Mary B" <[e-mail]
> <mailto:[e-mail]> en nombre de [e-mail]
> <mailto:[e-mail]>> escribió:
>
>  
>
> I think he stated his point very clearly - there is a broad range of
> risk perceptions about COVID-19.  I was all for hopping on a plane and
> going to Vancouver.  Actually, if I was gonna get sick, Vancouver is
> probably a much better place with better healthcare than the US.  
>
>  
>
> The worry and fear is just increasing people risks of getting sick on
> the off chance they are exposed.  Stress suppresses immune function.
> Of course, cookies and sodas do that as well. 
>
>  
>
> Regards,
>
> Mary. 
>
>  
>
> On Tue, Mar 10, 2020 at 2:43 PM Salz, Rich
> <rsalz=[e-mail]
> <mailto:[e-mail]>> wrote:
>
>
>     >    Agreed. I can also understand why the decision took until
>         now. Different people's risk perceptions differ so I'm
>         sure others will quite reasonably disagree with me on
>         this, but with all the behind-the-scenes stuff that had
>         to be considered, in addition to the ongoing (and many
>         v. recent) changes people's travel plans, I do totally
>         get why it took 'till today to make the call.
>
>     Good.  Share it with the rest of us.
>
>
> **********************************************
> IPv4 is over
> Are you ready for the new Internet ?
> http://www.theipv6company.com
> The IPv6 Company
>
> This electronic message contains information which may be privileged
> or confidential. The information is intended to be for the exclusive
> use of the individual(s) named above and further non-explicilty
> authorized disclosure, copying, distribution or use of the contents of
> this information, even if partially, including attached files, is
> strictly prohibited and will be considered a criminal offense. If you
> are not the intended recipient be aware that any disclosure, copying,
> distribution or use of the contents of this information, even if
> partially, including attached files, is strictly prohibited, will be
> considered a criminal offense, so you must reply to the original
> sender to inform about this communication and delete it.
>