As we continue to navigate the ongoing challenges of COVID-19, SAFSF is committed to creating a safe and comfortable meeting environment for all participants. Our commitment to maintaining reasonable COVID-19 protocols is deeply rooted in our values of racial equity and accessibility. The COVID-19 pandemic has targeted the most vulnerable among us, leading to disproportionate deaths in Black and Indigenous communities as well as heightened vulnerability for members of our community with disabilities and/or chronic illness.
We are requiring all participants show proof of a negative rapid COVID test when checking in for the Forum. Pictures of the negative test will suffice as proof.
In addition, we request that you help create a respectful, accessible, and caring community space at the Forum by:
- Wearing KN95 or KN94 Masks in all indoor SAFSF spaces
- Keeping up to date on your vaccination for COVID-19 (including relevant boosters)
- Monitoring your personal health before and during the Forum
- Respecting physical contact preferences of all attendees
Proof of a Negative Rapid COVID Test
All attendees will be required to provide proof of a negative rapid COVID test taken within 24 hours of checking in for the Forum at the Capital Hilton. Attendees will be asked to show a staff member a time stamped photo of their negative test when checking in at the registration table.
Please bring your own rapid test to take before you check in. We will have a very limited supply at the registration desk.
Symptoms Before or During the Forum
Individuals should not attend the event if they are COVID-positive, are exhibiting COVID symptoms (as defined by the CDC), or have been exposed to COVID-19, within 14 days prior to the event, to someone who was COVID-positive or showed COVID symptoms. If you are feeling sick or exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, or test positive for COVID-19, prior to the start of the conference, please contact [email protected] immediately.
Should you start experiencing any symptoms while at the SAFSF Forum, please get tested and notify staff ASAP at [email protected]. We will have a limited supply of rapid diagnostic tests on hand, if needed. Text Bridget Dobrowski (her cell will be linked to her attendee contact in Whova) to have a test to delivered to your hotel room door.
Upon receipt of a notification of possible exposure to, or illness from COVID-19 and its variants, SAFSF will notify all individuals who participated in the event as soon as possible via their preferred email address.
Distancing and Physical Contact
As space and capacity permits, we aim to setup Forum spaces with at least some room for distancing. SAFSF will also have colored stickers to affix to your name tag available at registration to serve as a non-verbal indicator of physical contact preferences. Not everyone will have the same comfort with hugs or handshakes. Regardless of the color sticker that someone chooses to wear, please always ask if someone is comfortable being hugged / shaking hands.
Disclaimer
While SAFSF will strive to safeguard the health and safety of all those involved in the Forum, and will make reasonable efforts to mitigate the possible exposure to COVID-19 and its variants during events, we cannot guarantee that attendees and participants will not be exposed to, or potentially become sick from exposure to, COVID-19 or its variants.
Please note that these guidelines may change at any time. Attendees will be notified of any updates.