Reuters reports that oilfield services provider Schlumberger has withdrawn its staff from the Offshore Technology Conference, which commenced today, Monday 16, and is expected to end on August 19.
The annual conference attracts up to 60,000 attendees from around the world.
The decision was made as Houston reports near-record Covid-19 infection rates and hospitalizations.
In a statement reported by Reuters, Schlumberger spokesperson Moira Duff said “As the Houston hospitalization rates increase rapidly, Schlumberger has taken the decision to withdraw from the Offshore Technology Conference.”
An OTC spokesperson did not have an immediate response to Schlumberger’s withdrawal, according to Reuters.
A number of other companies who traditionally participate in the Offshore Technology Conference are not exhibiting at this year’s event, traditionally held in the first week of May.