2022 Conference

 

COVID-19 Policies and Protocols for Conference

 

NEMA is monitoring the incidence of COVID-19 in the Springfield area and is following guidance from state and local health departments and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding large gatherings. This includes following CDC recommendations on preventing the spread of COVID-19.

NEMA is taking these measures to assure the 2022 Conference is as safe as possible:

  • All attendees must be fully vaccinated (and boosted where eligible) for COVID-19 OR provide negative test results within 48 hours of November 2.

  • All attendees are strongly encouraged to wear a face mask throughout the conference. This includes while on buses to and from evening events and tours and during the evening events and tours, unless actively eating or drinking. The CDC recommends N-95 masks for the most protection. NEMA will provide masks to anyone who does not have one.

  • NEMA staff and conference volunteers participating in the conference will be fully vaccinated and masked.

Safety During the Conference

  • Registration will open early on Tuesday evening to reduce crowds and lines on Wednesday morning. 

  • Food and beverage service at all events will follow current safety protocols. Wednesday and Thursday lunches will be boxed and attendees may choose where to eat based on their comfort level (outside, in their rooms, or at the PAG lunch sessions). 

Attendee Health and Safety

  • If a registrant must cancel due to COVID-related illness, NEMA will issue a refund for their registration fees.

  • The conference app will include information about where to get a COVID rapid test as well as locations of local health care options.

  • Any attendee who feels they might have COVID symptoms or feels ill during the conference should quarantine until COVID test results are received. If you test positive, please continue to quarantine and alert the NEMA staff as soon as possible about your condition. 

  • Within two weeks after the conference, we urge any attendee who tests positive for COVID to alert NEMA by contacting conference@nemanet.org, and staff will inform attendees of any positive case without revealing identifying information.

Recommendations for Safe Travel

  • Protect yourself and others by wearing a mask in public.

  • Avoid touching your face and wash your hands/use hand sanitizer frequently.

These measures will help reduce the chance for transmission of the virus; however, if you are sick or feeling you are getting sick, we insist that you stay home.

Currently, older adults and persons with underlying health conditions who are unvaccinated are considered to be at an increased risk of illness and complications from COVID-19. Examples of underlying health conditions include heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, people with weakened immune systems, and people who are pregnant. The CDC recommends that people in high-risk groups who are not vaccinated consult with their healthcare provider about attending any large gathering.

If you do choose to attend the conference, please keep in mind the CDC recommendations on how to keep yourself and others healthy:

  • Get vaccinated or boosted prior to traveling to Springfield, taking into account the necessary 14-day waiting period after the second shot.

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

NEMA will revise this policy as needed based upon local conditions and the guidance of the local health department and/or CDC. Last update: August 22, 2022.