An exhibitor at Tefaf Maastricht has tested positive for coronavirus (Covid-19), the Dutch fair has confirmed. According to several sources, the male exhibitor is believed to be an Italian Modern art dealer—Tefaf declined to comment on their identity.
This morning, Tefaf issued a statement to other exhibitors stating it “has learned that one of our exhibitors has tested positive for coronavirus on Monday 9 March 2020.” The statement continues that the exhibitor was at the fair from Thursday 5 March to Saturday 7 March and “did not show any symptoms at the fair”. It continues: “He left Maastricht on Sunday 8 March and was tested in his hometown for coronavirus on Monday 9 March.”
Tefaf says it has been in touch with the local health authorities—Veiligheidsregio Zuid-Limburg (VRZL) and the GDD—who contacted the exhibitor directly. “Based on their assessment, the exhibitor was not showing symptoms at the fair and therefore did not cause a health risk for visitors or anyone working at the fair,” the statement reads. Frank Klaasen, the head of the GGD, says “the exhibitor was not contagious during his time in Tefaf.” As a precaution, the health authorities will be in touch with the exhibitor’s team today.
The fair is due to continue until this Sunday, 15 March, and Tefaf says the “assessment from the authorities remains that the fair can go ahead as planned.”
