About 9,000 lab scientists are roaming the halls of McCormick Place, compared with typical attendance of about 15,000, according to the report. There are also fewer exhibitors at the meeting, the story noted.

In a statement on its website, Pittcon organizers said, "We take the safety and security of our Pittcon community very seriously." The group noted that hand sanitizer stations had been located throughout the conference hall as a countermeasure to prevent coronavirus infection.

Pittcon is running March 1-5.