SLIG 2022 Health and Safety Policy: Simplified

There is Chinese, and then there is Simplified Chinese. Fewer strokes, same meaning.

There is nothing like a pandemic to make something like a health and safety policy get difficult to read over time. Each time an update was required to adhere to new CDC guidelines, we left the original text intact and added the update above. The result? 

It became complicated.

Please consider this re-write a bit like simplified Chinese - it says the same thing, with fewer words. No need to sift through to decide what still applies and what doesn’t. It reflects all updates made since it was originally crafted in June 2021, and removes any text that was superseded by subsequent updates (11/6 and 11/27 specifically). 

Health Policy Simplified.

To view the original version, with updates in reverse chronological order, please visit: https://slig.ugagenealogy.org/cpage.php?pt=633

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SLIG 2022 Health and Safety Policy - Consolidated 11/29/21

Our top priority is the safety and health of SLIG attendees and instructors. SLIG will follow CDC guidelines for indoor events. If guidelines become more restrictive, our policy will be updated accordingly. If national, state, or local policies are put in place that are more restrictive, they shall apply. 

Participants must agree to abide by these policies at the time of registration. SLIG reserves the right to remove non-compliant parties from the classroom, shared SLIG areas, shuttle, or events.

We hope this provides a safe framework for you to comfortably attend. If not, we encourage you to wait and attend a subsequent year. While we cannot require it, we highly recommend the purchase of trip insurance that fully covers tuition and travel to alleviate your financial risk in the event you experience an emergency or illness.

The CDC recommends both masks and social distancing at all indoor events:

• Masks
• Masks should be worn (are required) in all SLIG classrooms, shared areas, the SLIG shuttle, and special events, regardless of vaccination status. 
• Instructors will not be required to wear a mask when presenting. If an instructor chooses to wear a mask while presenting and a hearing-impaired student is present, SLIG will provide a mask with a clear lip-reading panel if needed.
• The Hilton will require all staff to wear masks for the duration of SLIG.
• In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations (i.e. the substitution of a face shield) may be available. Requests may be made by updating your registration account disabilities section no later than December 15, 2021. SLIG will reach out for additional information, and submission of documentation may be required.

• Social Distancing
• Social distancing is encouraged in all SLIG classrooms, shared areas, and special events, even while masked. 
• Seating:
• Classroom seating capacity will be limited to no more than one person per six-foot table. 
• Plenary session seating will be set at six feet between chairs. 
• Where rounds are used, in the classroom or for special events, no more than three people will be seated per 60” round and seating rotated to clear approximately six feet between participants. 
• Overflow seating will be provided in other rooms rather than exceed capacity.
• Consultations (if included in your course)
• Consultations requiring screen sharing will be conducted via Zoom. Participants should bring headphones. 
• Consultations not requiring screen sharing will be held in a separate room set for social distancing between consultant and participant.
• Other Activities:
• Participation is not required in activities where social distancing is not possible (i.e. viewing maps, transportation). Alternative activities may not be available.
• Sunday's Orientation/Reception will be combined and held in the Ballroom, with a served meal, to eliminate hallway crowding and movement.
• Tickets for the SLIG Night at the FHL reception will be limited to 50 per thirty minute session, and distanced seating provided in a room separate from the service/networking area.

Prevention:

• If you are ill or have had a recent exposure (while unvaccinated) to someone with a confirmed case of COVID-19, please remain at home (or if already at SLIG, in your hotel room), and notify your classroom monitor. 
• The Hilton will do extra cleaning of high-touch areas, and hand sanitizer stations will be located throughout the hotel. 
• SLIG will provide hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes, electronic wipes, and disposable straws in each classroom.
• SLIG will have a supply of disposable masks on hand.
• A small, private triage area will be available with a digital thermometer and a healthcare professional to provide assistance in gaining access to local health care if needed.

Communication: 

• Colored lanyards will be distributed prior to entering the registration area. Participants may use these to clearly communicate additional personal contact preferences.

Disclaimer: SLIG is taking the above enhanced health and safety measures to protect conference attendees. However, there is an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. By attending the conference in person, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19, and SLIG disclaims any and all liability related thereto.

SLIG 2022 Health and Safety Update: Mask Requirements

This is the second in a series announcing plans, policies, and special events for SLIG 2022. 

This is also an ANNOUNCEMENT OF RECENT CHANGE to the health and safety policy. Please read carefully.

Last week two things occurred: I was made aware of yet another verbiage modification on the CDC site,  and the world was rocked by the announcement of yet another variant. The result - yet another episode of review, adjust, and rewrite. 

Did I mention that most of the year has been like that? There are some who would say I brought it upon myself.  And they would be mostly correct. But I had my reasons. And I stand by them. (Another post for another day). 

On November 27, 2021, the following update was added to the health and safety policy,

It changes everything. As it relates to masks. 

UPDATE 11/27/21

We are monitoring CDC and State of Utah updates regularly. As we do so, we find ourselves working with a bit of a moving target. The verbiage taken from the CDC page cited on 11/06 appears to have been replaced with slightly less restrictive verbiage. In light of ongoing concerns and recent announcements, however, we feel it wise to adhere to the advisory previously referenced recommending both masks and social distancing.³

Where verbiage has become more restrictive is on the CDC county by county guidelines page, which now states that "Everyone in Salt Lake County, Utah should wear a mask in public, indoor settings." Of import is the change from "recommend" to "should."⁴

3. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/large-events/considerations-for-events-gatherings.html#anchor_1619540969756
4. https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view

Accordingly, as allowed per our original published policy, the following modifications are now effective:

• Masks "should" be worn at SLIG, and social distancing be used, regardless of vaccination status.
• As long as Salt Lake County remains in either substantial or high transmission status, SLIG will interpret "should" to mean "must." Masks will be required, regardless of vaccination status, except when presenting at a distance greater than six feet.
• Consultations requiring screen sharing will be conducted via Zoom. Participants should bring headphones. Consultations not requiring screen sharing will be held in a room set for social distancing.
• Participation is not required in activities where social distancing is not possible (i.e. viewing maps, transportation). Alternative activities may not be available.
• In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations (i.e. the substitution of a face shield) may be available. Requests may be made by updating your registration account disabilities section no later than December 15, 2021. SLIG will reach out for additional information, and submission of documentation may be required.

THE POLICY (as originally published AND as updated 11/06/21) BELOW REMAINS UNCHANGED EXCEPT WHERE SUPERCEDED ABOVE.

-----End quoted area; for the full policy, please visit https://slig.ugagenealogy.org/cpage.php?pt=633-----

The Oxford Dictionary indicates that should is used to "indicate obligation, duty, or correctness." Merriam-Webster uses a similar definition, adding that it is used to state what is "expected." It is to these definitions that SLIG will adhere, not interpretations that imply optional compliance.

Merriam-Webster also indicates that "should" is often used to "express a request in a polite manner or to soften direct statement." 

My previously-planned blog post would have fallen into that definition. It would have emphasized the need for us to wear masks. Touted the wisdom of the CDC's dual recommendation that we both wear masks and social distance at indoor events. And underscored how strongly we felt about our "strongly recommend" mask verbiage, in light of the ongoing pandemic. It would have also cited SLIG's Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, and suggested that respect for all includes demonstrating health and safety precautions. 

While I'm not grateful for the ongoing challenges this pandemic has presented, I can express gratitude that CDC changes have made it easier for to be more direct about something that will help keep us all safe at SLIG.

For additional clarity: 

• I don't expect transmission rates to fall substantially across the nation, or in Salt Lake County, in the next six weeks before SLIG. So, please come prepared to wear a mask at all times. We will have a supply of disposables available should you forget to bring your preferred style.
• This change was made in response to recent changes in CDC guidelines, not in response to recent criticisms. We chose to adhere to CDC guidelines from the beginning in order to maintain integrity and neutrality in a very-divided world as our Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct would demand.
• Citing our own policy: "We hope this provides a safe framework for you to comfortably attend. If not, we would encourage you to wait and attend a subsequent year." We know no matter how the policy is written, it won't be a good fit for some. We regret not being able to make it perfect for all! 

 

SLIG 2022 Health and Safety Update: Modified Seating

Director's Note: Preparing for SLIG 2022 has been a bit like chasing a moving target. This blog post has been in draft mode for about two months now. Each time something seemed final, we were presented reasons to review and modify, reconsider or refine. In an effort to keep everyone as safe as possible, we have continually reviewed CDC guidelines and updated plans accordingly. In an effort to ensure that all special events met guidelines, many decisions were postponed until late October. 

This is the first in a series announcing plans, policies, and special events for SLIG 2022. 

It will definitely be a year for the history books.

We think you will be happy with the result. You still can't beat the quality of the education. And there will be plenty of the traditional "SLIG Experience," even if it is presented a bit uniquely. 

Let's begin with how seating will work. 

Plenty of elbow room is the theme for logistical designs this year. In accordance with CDC recommendations for indoor events, course capacities have been adjusted and classroom seating modified. Special events have been modified to ensure distancing, and room assignments modified to eliminate hallway crowding.  

Before we get into the details, we need to offer a huge shout out to UGA, who approved our scaled-back plan earlier this year so we could be prepared for such a modification. And to the Hilton, who has made concessions to help us make this work. We sincerely appreciate the support!

What does this mean for SLIG 2022?

Let's start with orientation. In a normal year, we would meet in the Alpine Ballroom, set for about 400 people. We have a grand old time, hugging at the entrance, sitting cozily side by side while talking about how to make the SLIG experience a successful one, honoring the faculty with a stage parade one course at a time, and giving away door prizes. Not to be outdone, we follow this with a reception and entertainment. Naturally, we all exit through two double doors to a to medium-sized hallway, cheerfully pack ourselves into long crowded lines to get to the buffet, then crowd into the Grand Ballroom with eight to nine people per round and three to four per cocktail table to network and enjoy the food.

Not. This. Year.

This year we will begin in the Grand Ballroom. One location. No additional movement. Six-foot distancing in the foyer and entrance. More entrance and exit doors. Everyone wearing masks until the food is served. Rounds will be set for only three, and every other table will be rotated so that there is six feet between participants. Waiters will be wearing masks and food will be brought to the table. 

Additional rooms will be utilized for overflow if needed, and the program Zoomed in. Those who are not comfortable coming to orientation, even under these circumstances, will be able to watch via Zoom this year. 

The bonus for all this fuss? A catered meal - full entree, sides, and dessert. Unless, of course, you opt to attend via Zoom. We haven't yet figured out how to Zoom food.

Classrooms will be similarly distanced. While you won't be allowed to move your chair more closely to other participants, you will get an entire 6' x 18" table to yourself. 

Each room will be supplied with hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes, electronic wipes, and disposable straws so you can enjoy your favorite drink without taking off that very important mask.

Monday evening's plenary session will be held in the Alpine Ballroom. Chairs 6' apart. Again, we will utilize nearby rooms for overflow seating. 

The downside? Laughter in close proximity to the speaker will be limited to 57. The upside? Laughter will regale nearby rooms as well. Wherever you sit, this will be one plenary session you won't want to miss (sorry, no spoilers; watch for the post).

Lest one misconstrue the meaning of these distancing efforts, please note that distancing in room sets is in addition to the wearing of masks, not in lieu of. 

More about how that works in a separate post.

Here's to a safe and healthy SLIG 2022 educational experience!