COVID-19 Policy and Information

COVID-19 Policy and Information

Our COVID-19 policy and plan for the in-person portion of ScienceWriters2021 will be updated as needed in light of changing conditions. As outlined in the policy below, COVID-19 vaccination will be required of in-person attendees. In addition, as of August 13, CU Boulder requires masks indoors, regardless of vaccination status. Some key additional safety features will include the following:

 

  • We are set to meet on two campuses - the University of Colorado Boulder and the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus - where all students, faculty and staff are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Masks are required indoors at CU Boulder conference spaces;
  • Contracts for catering, transport, and other onsite support functions are reviewed for COVID protocols  and adherence to applicable regulations;
  • We have secured meeting spaces on both the Boulder and Anschutz campuses that are separated from other campus activities, oversized to allow for physical distancing as needed, and provide ample access to outdoor spaces for socializing. Folsom Field is CU Boulder's stadium. In addition to beautiful views, its large meeting rooms have doors that open directly outside, and there is plenty of outdoor, covered stadium seating for informal meet-ups ala a hotel lobby. Weather permitting, meals will be served outdoors on the terrace; 
  • Our conference hotels are covered by the Hilton CleanStay Program and Colorado and Boulder County health regulations, which may include masking and distancing requirements; and
  • Registration will allow attendees the opportunity to choose virtual attendance only or to add/remove in-person attendance if you change your mind any time during the registration period, which begins August 11. Cancellation windows will provide ample time to cancel for both medical or non-medical reasons. Hotel reservations may be canceled up to 48 hours before arrival.

 

COVID-19 Policy Details

August 4, 2021

The organizers of ScienceWriters2021 recognize that conditions are evolving, and we will follow current federal, state, local, and event venue public health guidelines and policies as applicable. Onsite attendees should be aware that attending ScienceWriters2021 in person increases their risk of contracting COVID-19.

In order to minimize risks, all attendees at the onsite portion of ScienceWriters2021 will be subject to the following requirements:

  1. All attendees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Attendees will be required to certify that they are fully vaccinated as part of the conference registration process. For anyone who cannot receive a vaccine due to medical reasons, certification of a medical exemption will be accepted and a mask will be required to be worn over your mouth and nose at all times while in attendance. Those who choose to forgo vaccination  are invited to attend only the virtual portion of ScienceWriters2021. Vaccinated individuals may also be required to wear face masks if organizers believe that conditions warrant this additional precaution at the time of the conference.
  2.  Attendees should not travel if they are sick, have been exposed to anyone with a documented or suspected case of COVID-19 within 10 days, or exhibit any symptoms of COVID-19, including:

·       Fever or chills

·       Cough

·       Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

·       Fatigue

·       Muscle or body aches

·       Headache

·       New loss of taste or smell

·       Sore throat

·       Congestion or runny nose

·       Nausea or vomiting

·       Diarrhea.

Health-related cancellations made outside the cancellation period will be refunded the in-person portion of the registration fee.

3.  Attendees will be required to follow all applicable federal, state, local, site, venue, vendor, and ScienceWriters2021 guidelines and policies. Given the changing nature of such policies and guidelines, the most up-to-date requirements will be posted to sciencewriters2021.org/COVID19. These may include completing a daily health certification before entering ScienceWriters 2021, wearing a mask in indoor spaces, cooperating with any spacing arrangements for physical distancing, and abiding by other instructions and precautionary measures.

 

ScienceWriters2021 will work with the event venue managers to provide fragrance-free hand sanitizers and institute other measures to provide clean event venues. We will support a mask-friendly conference. All attendees are welcome to wear a mask at any or all times if they are more comfortable doing so. Masks worn over the face and nose will be required at all times for unvaccinated attendees granted a medical exemption. We will provide masks for those who do not bring their own. Vaccinated individuals may also be required to wear face masks if organizers believe this additional precaution is warranted at the time of the conference.

In addition, we encourage all onsite attendees to adhere to all applicable guidelines and make informed choices about travel, accommodation, and engagement outside of conference event spaces. Attendees will be required to agree to this waiver during the registration process.

If you cannot or choose not to comply with the ScienceWriters2021 onsite requirements, we encourage you to register for the virtual-only portion of the conference instead, which features content tailored for online experiences.                   

               

Thank you for helping to protect  our community.

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