Amid Coronavirus concerns, Ascential, the parent company of Cannes Lions, has told its staff to work from home if possible. This comes as the organizations weighs whether keep the planned festival on track with it June date or to postpone until October.
“Ascential has advised all our people to work from home for a period of four weeks as a response to the current Covid-19 outbreak,” read a statement from Ascential. “We have clear processes in place to manage any potential disruption, including contingencies for our people, workplaces, platforms/technology and supporting services.
“As a company that fully embraces flexible and remote working, this change of ways of working will mean that we remain fully operational. We have also updated our travel policies and health advice, in-line with World Health Organisation and to reflect local government guidelines.”
Postponement?
Cannes Lions has offered up an alternate date for its festival if the spread of the coronavirus worsens and makes June unworkable. Working with French authorities, the festival has secured October 26-30 should the event need to be postponed.
A final decision will be made no later than April 15, Cannes Lions officials announced.
“As we stand today, all of our plans are proceeding as scheduled and we are still working towards Cannes Lions 2020 taking place as planned on 22 June,” says Simon Cook, managing director, Cannes Lions.
