AERE SUMMER CONFERENCE HEALTH AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS

AERE looks forward to welcoming attendees and supporters to the AERE Summer Conference. Our priority is to deliver a successful, productive, and safe conference where we can come together as a community to access emerging research and forge new connections. Below is a list of the health measures we have in place and how you will play a role in helping us move forward safely with an in-person event.

COVID-19 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RISK

An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. AERE has taken reasonable preventive measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 at its event; however, AERE cannot guarantee that you will not be exposed to or contract COVID-19 at the event. By attending the AERE Summer Conference, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.  Further, you agree to release AERE and all of its directors, officers, volunteers and agents from liability should you become ill, directly or indirectly, as a result of your participation in the AERE Summer Conference.

You must comply with applicable COVID-19 related requirements, advisories, policies, procedures, and protocols of AERE, as well as any requirements of applicable governmental authorities, for the duration of your stay and attendance at the AERE Summer Conference. Further, you understand, agree and hereby consent that your failure or disregard to follow all requirements, advisories, policies, procedures, and protocols in effect during your attendance at the AERE Summer Conference may result in loss of the right to attend or participate in AERE events, including forfeiting any registration fees paid.

AERE SUMMER CONFERENCE COVID-19 HEALTH AND SAFETY PROTOCOL

In order to be admitted to the AERE Summer Conference, you MUST present a vaccination record showing receipt of all recommended doses of an approved COVID-19 vaccine, including recommended boosters, or proof of a negative COVID test (taken within the 72 hours preceding your arrival and check-in at the conference).

AERE is partnering with CLEAR to implement Health Pass for the AERE Summer Conference. The CLEAR Health Pass provides a safe and secure mobile phone application for participants to upload the required documentation for entry to the conference venue. All paid in-person registrants will receive correspondence with more information about CLEAR Health Pass, including instructions for downloading the free app and uploading the required documentation.

Any attendees who refuse to abide by the AERE Summer Conference COVID-19 policy will be denied entry to the event, and AERE reserves the right to refuse a refund.

WHAT COUNTS AS VALID PROOF FOR CHECK-IN?

  1. Proof of Up-to-Date Vaccination: We will accept proof of up-to-date vaccination (as defined by the CDC).
  2. Negative Test Result: We will accept a printed or digital copy of a negative COVID-19 test result administered by or under the supervision of a healthcare professional or authorized laboratory within 72 hours of the time of check-in.
    1. Types of tests accepted: Negative diagnostic test result for COVID-19 using a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or DOH-authorized test that was performed on a specimen (e.g., swab) collected within 72 hours of the day attending; OR You may present a negative test result for COVID-19 from an FDA-authorized antigen test received within 72 hours of arrival at the conference venue.

MASK POLICY

Masks are encouraged during indoor conference activities except as appropriate in designated areas (e.g., while eating or drinking). Mask policy is subject to change.

SELF-SCREENING

Before you travel to the AERE Summer Conference and each day while you are at the conference, please screen yourself for any possible symptoms of COVID-19 (or any other illness for that matter.) If you are feeling ill at all, showing any symptoms of illness, DO NOT attend any AERE Summer Conference events.

Please do not attend the AERE Summer Conference event if you cannot answer “NO” to all of the following questions:

  • In the past 10 days,
    • Have you been diagnosed with COVID-19 or been asked to quarantine?
    • Have you had new or worsening symptoms such as a fever, shortness of breath, persistent cough, sinus congestion or runny nose (not attributed to allergies), loss of taste/smell, headache, sore throat, severe muscle aches, fatigue, or nausea/vomiting/diarrhea?
    • Have you had close contact or high-risk exposure to someone with an active or suspected case of COVID-19? This includes being less than 6’ away for more than 15 minutes in a 24 hour period or direct contact with mucus or saliva.
    • Have you been asked to get a COVID-19 test due to symptoms or risk of exposure and are still waiting for the results or received an inconclusive result?

If your answer is “YES” to any of these questions, DO NOT attend AERE Summer Conference. Stay home and take care of yourself.

Common symptoms of COVID-19 are:

  • Fever equal to or greater than 100.4°F) or chills 
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle and body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, do not attend the AERE Summer Conference. If you learn that you have been in contact with somebody who has tested positive for COVID-19, do not attend AERE Summer Conference, even if you exhibit no symptoms. 

SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19 OR POSITIVE TEST RESULT

Should an attendee test positive for COVID-19, begin to feel ill, or exhibit any symptoms as described above under “Self Screening”:

  1. DO NOT attend any further AERE Summer Conference events.
  2. Have yourself tested for COVID-19 (for those who haven’t tested positive but are feeling ill or exhibiting symptoms).
  3. We strongly encourage you to follow CDC guidelines for “What to Do If You Are Sick,” particularly staying at home (except to seek medical care), separating yourself from others, and notifying your close contacts that they may have been exposed. Learn more>>