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Coronavirus announcements, information and resources

SPJ is monitoring the spread of the coronavirus and the impact it could have on our conferences and events. We are committed to sharing vital information and updates with our members. We understand that concerns for health, safety and the impact of the virus on meeting attendance are important to you.

All of SPJ's spring regional conferences have been canceled or postponed. Follow this page for additional information, including rescheduled dates if/when those dates are announced.

The SDX Awards banquet in June and EIJ20 in September are both in Washington, D.C. We will continue to monitor and re-evaluate the situation as it pertains to each gathering.

In the meantime, if you would like more information about the virus and precautions you can take, or tips about reporting on the virus, check out the following resources:

– World Health Organization provides many resources, guidelines and advice for protecting yourself from coronavirus.

– Centers for Disease Control and Prevention responds to the coronavirus outbreak.

– The Johns Hopkins coronavirus map shows confirmed cases around the world, by country and region.

– U.S. Travel Association offers guidance for travelers.

– Meeting Professionals International offers tips for attending events.

– The Journalist’s Toolbox continues to be updated with resources.

– The Open Notebook provides a tip sheet from Washington Post Health and Science Editor Laura Helmuth.

– The Asian American Journalists Association is urging journalists to exercise care in their coverage of the coronavirus outbreak to avoid fueling xenophobia and racism that have already emerged since the outbreak.

– Some major U.S. newsrooms are suggesting or requiring staff work from home, setting up Slack channels for coronavirus updates, limiting international travel and requiring those who travel to affected countries to quarantine themselves, working from home for two weeks.

– Many outlets are carrying live updates on the virus and some have set up newsletters to keep readers informed.

– Some outlets, like azcental.com, are dropping their paywall on coronavirus coverage.