COVID Updates & Protocols

HEALTH & SAFETY EVENT REQUIREMENTS
**PLEASE SEE 10/21/22 UPDATES**

For detailed safety information and instructions on how to submit the requirement documentation to attend the conference, download the “Know Before You Go” (PDF) guide here.

AACC is committed to meeting as safely as possible for the 2022 ATE Conference. We recognize that the COVID-19 situation is fluid and requirements may change in line with evolving conditions.

For the health and safety of conference attendees, all participants, speakers, and staff must abide by the following requirements:

1. Attendees will need to present proof of having received either a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson/Jansen vaccine or two doses of either the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines. The full course of the vaccine must have been completed no later than October 10, 2022.

·       While AACC strongly encourages that all in-person attendees receive at least one booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, attendees will no longer be required to present proof of having received a booster dose.

·       Individuals that have not received a full course of any of the COVID-19 vaccines may partake in one of two testing options:

o   Present a negative test result from a PCR Test taken no more than 48 hours prior to arrival.

-or-

o   Individuals may, at their own expense, submit negative test results from a supervised antigen test taken on the day that you retrieve your conference credentials at the Omni Shoreham. 

§  These test kits can be purchased from pharmacies or an online source. The supervised antigen test kits require the individual to be monitored via a web portal while taking the test. Once the test results are finalized, the testing company will provide documentation that may be uploaded into the 42Chat tool.

If an individual is unable to provide proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test result—or they are unable to procure their own monitored self-test—a very limited number of monitored self-tests will be made available at the Health & Wellness Desk at the Omni Shoreham. Individuals will need to indicate in advance that they are unable to secure their own tests by emailing ATEWellness@aacc.nche.edu.

2. All attendees will be required to upload proof of vaccination or negative test results through HealthShield by 42Chat. All attendees must have their documents approved prior to collecting their conference credentials.

3. Meeting badges will be required to access all ATE Conference event space. Please wear your badge at all times. This means that only attendees who are registered for the meeting (who have documented vaccine status and agreed to follow this list of requirements) will be allowed in our space.

4. Masks are strongly encouraged to be worn, fully covering your nose and mouth, at all times when participating in indoor ATE Conference events unless actively eating, drinking, or presenting.

Note that AACC reserves the right to require the wearing of masks at any time should there be a reported case of COVID-19 during the event or if there is a change in current local requirements.

Should AACC require masks be worn by attendees, AACC will make masks available on site.

CDC RECOMMENDATIONS & LOCAL GUIDANCE

AACC is closely monitoring COVID-19 statistics in the District of Columbia and any new or changing regulations that may impact the conference. For the most current information on COVID-19 in the District of Columbia, please go to: https://coronavirus.dc.gov/key-metrics.

As of October 20, 2022, the District of Columbia’s COVID-19 Community Level is rated as “LOW.” According to DC Health, COVID-19 is having a limited impact on the District’s healthcare system and is presenting with low levels of disease severity. Under these conditions, the CDC recommends the following:

· Staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines (including boosters)

· Getting tested if symptomatic

· Suggesting but not requiring masks be worn except for the following:

o   Those that are symptomatic,

o   Those that have tested positive,

o   Those that have been exposed to someone who has tested positive.

OTHER CONFERENCE MEASURES

AACC will have Health & Safety Officer on site at the ATE Conference available that will be stationed next to conference registration for any questions or concerns.

Hand sanitizing stations will be present throughout the meeting space. We encourage all attendees to remember to practice good hygiene and to wash/sanitize their hands throughout the conference.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU FEEL SICK AT THE EVENT

During the course of the ATE Conference, if anyone does not feel well it is imperative that they do not participate in any meeting function. Attendees feeling unwell should take the following steps:

· Notify the ATE Conference Health & Safety Officer that they are unwell. Contact information is forthcoming and will be posted online prior to the event as well as made available through signage at the event.

· Staff will have a list of the closest testing centers, urgent care/hospital facilities, and drug stores should you require testing and/or treatment. Note that all medical expenses are the responsibility of the attendee.

· AACC will have a supply of rapid antigen tests on site for attendees that may need them.

· If an attendee tests positive for COVID-19 while on-site, AACC and the Omni Shoreham Hotel will work to secure accommodations for the attendee to safely isolate until they are able to return home. Any costs associated with this isolation period (such as accommodations/meals) will be the responsibility of the attendee.

All Attendees are requested to monitor their health status for the 5 days following their return from the ATE Conference. If you test positive for COVID-19 within the 5-day period, we request that you notify the Health & Safety Officer.

COVID-19 ISOLATION GUIDELINES

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released a new Isolation Calculator. It can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/isolation.html. This calculator was designed to reflect the CDC’s updated guidance issued on August 11, 2022.