Vaccination
The safety of meeting attendees is THSNA's top priority, and we believe the most effective way to ensure the safety of all attendees is for them to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Please note that proof of vaccination or a negative COVID19 test within 72 hours of arrival will be required for all attendees.
Attendees should be aware that, while THSNA will make every effort to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission on site, it is possible that attendees will come in contact with people in airports, hotels, and around the hotel who could potentially carry the virus, which is why THSNA is requiring attendees to be fully vaccinated or have a negative COVID19 test for their own safety, as well as the safety of others.
For the purposes of right of entry to the Perioperative Medicine, a person is considered fully vaccinated:
- Two weeks after receiving the second dose in a two-dose series, such as the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines; or
- Two weeks after receiving a single-dose vaccine, such as the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine
Please note that booster shots will not be required but are encouraged.
On-site Safety Measures
Public health guidance on preventing the transmission of COVID-19 continues to evolve, and THSNA will base its on-site protocols on the latest guidance from the CDC in addition to local regulations in Chicago.
PHYSICAL DISTANCING
Meeting rooms will be set up to accommodate those attendees who prefer more personal space as well as those who prefer to sit closer together, even if physical distancing is not legally mandated at the time of the meeting.
SANITIZATION
Hand sanitation stations will be available throughout the meeting space.
PROTECTIVE MASKS
The wearing of protective masks is required of all attendees and THSNA staff regardless of whether or not it is required by law at the time of the meeting. Masks must be worn properly (covering both mouth and nose) at all times indoors, except as noted below. Masks are not required outdoors.
Masks may be removed briefly in the following situations:
- When actively eating or drinking*
- When speaking at the lectern (as the distance between the speaker and audience is greater than 6 feet). Speakers should put their masks back on when not actively presenting (i.e., sitting at the head table on the dais).*
*PLEASE NOTE: Attendees should maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from others when unmasked in the above-mentioned situations
International Attendees
International attendees should always check current travel restrictions to the U.S. on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, before planning your travel, to make sure you will be able to enter the U.S. In addition, please monitor local regulations at home to ensure that you will be able to return from the U.S.