Like you, we take seriously the ongoing and evolving risks of COVID-19 transmission, infection, and illness. Current public health guidelines indicates that with the following policies we can gather in person and significantly reduce exposure to COVID-19:
- Masks will be required in all indoor SAFSF spaces
- Proof of vaccination will be required (or a negative PCR / Lucira test result within 1 day of traveling)
- Accountability through document upload to CrowdPass (see instructions below)
- Social distancing and respecting physical contact preferences of attendees
- Monitoring personal health before and during the Forum
Please read through the following to understand our all of our policies.
Mask Requirement
Based on recent data available from the CDC and numerous research studies, KN95 or N95 masks will be required of everyone while indoors in SAFSF Forum spaces (generally the 2nd and 3rd floors of the Kansas City Marriott Downtown). In addition to sessions, hallways, foyer, elevators, and other Forum spaces in the hotel, masks will also be required on site visit buses.
Exceptions are:
- Outdoor spaces (including site visits)
- Indoors while actively eating or drinking
- Speakers while presenting
- While necessary for communicating with someone who is hearing impaired when the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication
Please note: Other situations may arise in which removal of your mask may be necessary. We ask that you use your own discretion to decide for yourself based on the situation, taking into account these guidelines and the safety of those around you. Reference the CDC Guide to Masks.
Masks must be worn over the nose and mouth. Participants should provide their own masks for the event, though extra masks will be available during the conference at the registration desk (while supplies last).
Vaccination (or Negative PCR test) Requirement
All attendees will be required to provide proof via our 3rd party verification system, CrowdPass, of one of the following:
- Provide proof of full and up-to-date vaccination for COVID-19.*
- Provide proof of a negative PCR test or Lucira rapid test within 1 day of travel to Kansas City.
*As defined by the CDC you are considered up to date on COVID-19 vaccination if:
- You are fully vaccinated and have received a booster shot, or
- You received the last dose of a two-dose vaccine less than 5 months ago, or
- You received a single-dose vaccine (like J&J) less than two months ago.
Even if you are vaccinated, we do encourage you to get tested before traveling.
We understand that some of our community members do not yet have access to the booster shot, or are ineligible to receive the booster dose at this time. If you have questions or concerns about meeting the criteria for up-to-date vaccination, please come talk to us.
CrowdPass Information
As mentioned above, SAFSF will be using CrowdPass to verify your proof of vaccination OR proof of a negative PCR test (within 1 day of travel). Neither personal health information nor testing results will be collected or seen by SAFSF staff or members.
Attendees will receive an email from CrowdPass on June 9th*. Click the register button to sign up for an account and follow instructions. If you are vaccinated, please promptly add your vaccination documentation to the platform and submit – the sooner the better. If you will be getting a COVID PCR test 1 day prior to traveling to Kansas City, please upload your results as soon as possible to allow the CrowdPass team to review and verify. *Please check your spam folder and if you do not see an email from CrowdPass on June 9th, email [email protected] to troubleshoot.
If your documentation does not meet CrowdPass’s criteria, you will be asked to resubmit. Once approved, you will receive a unique QR code. This QR code will be the way you check into the Forum during registration, so be sure to keep it handy. Please note that if you are not approved or if you do not submit your documentation to CrowdPass in advance of the Forum, you will not be permitted to join the conference.
Distancing + Physical Contact
As space and capacity permits, we aim to setup all Forum spaces with at least some room for distancing. SAFSF will have two sticker choices (one red, one green) available at registration. These stickers are intended to serve as a non-verbal communication of physical contact preferences. While we have all missed being in person, 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.
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, we will have a number of rapid diagnostic tests on hand. Please 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. Click here for a list of testing locations in Kansas City.