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what doesn’t. It reflects all updates made since it was originally crafted in June 2021, and removes any text that was superseded by subsequent updates (11/6 and 11/27 specifically).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.