Plans on Hold for 2020 'Cord Blood Connect'

Pause includes a moratorium on pre-registrations and abstract submissions

Given the rapidly evolving COVID-19 pandemic, a temporary moratorium has been placed on pre-registrations for the Cord Blood Connect international congress, scheduled for Sept. 10-12 in Miami Beach. The acceptance of abstracts also has been suspended while CBA leaders continue to assess the viability of this year’s congress.

Options being evaluated include re-scheduling, as well as alternatives for the in-person conference. Factors to be considered are the advice of public health authorities about in-person gatherings, governmental recommendations or restrictions on gatherings and travel, expectations for attendance, availability of faculty, support of sponsors and exhibitors, contracts that are in place with the venue and vendors – to name just a few.

The health and safety of attendees, faculty, sponsors, exhibitors and staff will always be the foremost concern.

FDA Issues Advisory for Coronavirus Outbreak

Transmission of virus through transplanted cells is unlikely

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued an advisory on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak for facilities that handle and process human cell, tissue, or cellular- or tissue-based products. 

The agency notes that respiratory viruses are generally not known to be transmitted by implantation, transplantation, infusion or other transfer of cells or tissues, and there have been no reported cases of Coronavirus transmission by these products. Based on limited information currently available, donor screening guidelines are offered for facilities concerned about the Coronavirus.

See FDA Advisory