COVID-19 Policy

Many government jurisdictions and establishments are lifting mask wearing and vaccine requirements, however, studies show that the Omicron variant, and possibly more contagious versions thereof, are still present. The meeting organizers believe it is most prudent to take as many precautions within their control to assist the health and safety of the 2022 SaTC PI Meeting participants. In so doing, the following COVID-19 policy will be enforced at all times during the 2022 SaTC PI Meeting:

1. Mask Wearing: All meeting participants are required to wear masks at all times (excluding when eating, drinking, or presenting a talk) in all 2022 SaTC PI Meeting designated meeting room spaces (including meeting rooms and hallways in addition to other such designated spaces). A map of these designated spaces will be posted to the website at a later date and will be posted via signage onsite on the meeting days. The meeting organizers will provide masks for participants who need them.

2. Proof of Vaccination and Proof of Testing: For proof of vaccination and proof of testing affecting all persons attending the 2022 SaTC PI Meeting, the 2022 SaTC PI Meeting organizers will be guided by the CDC’s COVID-19 Community Level tool found at COVID-19 by County | CDC and updated on May 5, 2022 in combination with the NSF’s Updated Safety Guidance for Contractors, Visitors, and In-Person Meetings document which was released on March 17, 2022. The current COVID-19 Community Level for Arlington, VA (the PI Meeting city location) has changed from "low" to "medium" since the initial printing of this document. There will not be a requirement for proof of vaccination and testing to attend the PI Meeting while the risk level is medium. However, the organizers strongly recommend that all meeting attendees adhere to the following selected CDC medium risk recommendations prior to arriving at the Hyatt:

• Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. 
• Get tested if you have symptoms.
• Wear a mask if you have symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19.
• Wear a mask on public transportation.
• If you are at high risk for severe illness, talk to your healthcare provider about whether you need to wear a mask and take other precautions

3. If participants knowingly have the COVID-19 virus or experience symptoms 14 days prior to the meeting dates, we ask that you please do not attend the meeting.

4. If participants experience symptoms at any time during the meeting, please immediately abort attendance and inform the meeting organizers who will provide you with the location of the nearest health treatment facilities.

5. To control for social distancing: a. Registration will be handled largely online. Please plan to pick up your name badge and other registration materials at a self check-in desk before the opening day of the meeting. Laptops will be available for late registrants. Limited staff will be present to assist the self-check in process. The self check-in desk location will be noted on the map of designated meeting spaces. b. For the five poster sessions, poster stands will be placed throughout both floors of the available meeting space. The meeting organizers are in communications with the Hyatt staff to set up meeting room seating as distant as possible to accommodate meeting participants.

Disclaimer: The 2022 SaTC PI Meeting organizers assume no liability for potential exposures onsite by participants. All participants assume the individual risk associated with their attendance at this event.