Updated: August 25, 2021
The health and safety of all HFSA 2021 attendees, exhibitors, HFSA staff, and event support staff is our top priority. Our hybrid meeting experience allows attendees to participate safely, selecting the option that works best for them.
The HFSA Annual Scientific Meeting 2021 in-person will require of all attendees:
- Proof of COVID-19 vaccination
- Masks when indoors (other than when presenting or eating)
Explore FAQs on acceptable forms of proof and more below.
What safety measures is HFSA taking for onsite attendees?
For up-to-date information on HFSA safety measures, check the Health & Safety page at https://hfsa.org/annualscientificmeeting/health-and-safety. HFSA will be informing registered attendees of any major change in protocol as we approach the event via email. You may also visit the Colorado CDC webpage here: https://covid19.colorado.gov/
Are masks required onsite at the HFSA Annual Scientific Meeting?
Yes. Masks are required for all attendees, HFSA staff, and hotel staff indoors, except for when presenting or eating. Masks are not required in outdoor spaces.
Is a COVID-19 vaccination required to attend the meeting?
Yes. A full COVID-19 vaccination is a requirement of attendees. Acceptable vaccines include those that the World Health Organization has listed as safe for emergency use. As of May 2021, WHO has listed the Pfizer/BioNTech, Astrazeneca-SK Bio, Serum Institute of India, Janssen, Moderna and Sinopharm vaccines for emergency use. Learn more here.
What are the acceptable forms of proof of COVID-19 vaccination?
HFSA will accept printed vaccination cards or photos of vaccination cards presented with photo identification. Digital vaccine cards through official online databases like MyIR.net may also be shown. Attendees may contact their vaccination provider for a copy of their card if it has been misplaced. Many states also offer databases to reproduce card: ex. the Virginia Department of Health Immunization Portal. Health Insurance providers may also offer card reproductions.
When will I be required to show my vaccination card?
Vaccination cards will be reviewed during the check in process onsite and will not be accepted prior to that time.
Is a negative COVID-19 test acceptable for me to attend the meeting?
No. Only proof of full COVID-19 vaccination will be accepted for onsite attendees.
What if I am unable to get the COVID-19 vaccination based on personal or health reasons?
Attendees who are unable to take the COVID-19 vaccinations are encouraged to register for the virtual component of the meeting. If you have concerns please contact HFSA staff at [email protected].
What if I arrive onsite and do not have proof of vaccination?
Attendees will not be admitted without proof of a COVID-19 vaccination.
Will attendees have to report COVID-19 symptoms or attest that they do not have symptoms daily?
Attendees will not be required to formally attest that they do not have symptoms; however, they are asked to self-screen daily using guidelines provided by the CDC or the CDC Coronavirus Self-Checker available on the Health and Safety page. If an attendee experiences symptoms, they are asked to remain in their hotel room and stream sessions virtually, and contact HFSA staff at [email protected].
People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19: 1) Fever or chills; 2) Cough; 3) Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing; 4) Fatigue; 5) Muscle or body aches; 6) Headache; 7) New loss of taste or smell; 8) Sore throat; 9) Congestion or runny nose; 10) Nausea or vomiting; 11) Diarrhea. This list does not include all possible symptoms. CDC will continue to update this list as we learn more about COVID-19. Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness.
Does Colorado have a mask mandate?
For up-to-date information on Colorado protocols as well as HFSA safety measures, check the Health & Safety page at https://hfsa.org/annualscientificmeeting/health-and-safety. HFSA will be informing registered attendees of any major change in protocol as we approach the event via email. You may also visit the Colorado CDC webpage here: https://covid19.colorado.gov/
HFSA’s Safety Advisory Taskforce, including a top local infection disease expert, is continuously monitoring ongoing changes and ensuring that HFSA adheres to all local, state and CDC regulations and guidelines. We are also working in close partnership with the Gaylord Rockies and all vendors to ensure proper safety protocols including a multi-pronged approach outlined in Marriott's Commitment to Clean. The state of Colorado Tourism Office is recommending responsible tourism, including five simple tips to keep both residents and visitors safe.
We will continue to monitor and update you on the safety protocols and mandates as necessary. Current safety protocols include:
- Masks required indoors, except when presenting or eating
- COVID-19 vaccination requirement for all onsite attendees
- Following local mandates
- Hotel mobile app check-in/out
- Screens / computers / printers will be setup at the registration desk to allow for contact-less badge printouts
- Offering color coded meeting lanyards/badges (red, yellow, green) to easily communicate attendee social distancing preferences on-site.
- Shorter session times and longer transition times to allow lighter traffic flow and longer breaks to wash/sanitize hands
- Limiting session room and exhibit hall capacity to ensure appropriate physical distancing
- Offering outdoor connection areas to accommodate overflow from session room capacity and allow attendees to live-stream sessions to personal devices while enjoying the Denver’s fresh air and accommodating weather.
- Extensive use of outdoor space for evening and networking functions.
- An exhibit hall floorplan designed to ensure appropriate physical distancing and flow
- Sanitation stations can be found throughout meeting rooms, hallways, and registration areas
- Sanitizing all shared equipment and meeting amenities before and after each use This includes wiping down podiums, microphones, and PowerPoint clickers between all speakers
- Partitions for food service lines
- All sessions and events will be held on-site to minimize need for additional travel
- All HFSA staff, vendors, hotel staff, and attendees must self-screen for symptoms or other risk factors of COVID-19 daily, using CDC’s COVID-19 screen tool prior to admittance to meeting spaces.
- COVID-19 testing locations nearby if needed
- Ample health and safety signage
- The hotel’s elevator touch points are sanitized first thing in the morning, then late morning, early afternoon, late afternoon, and overnight.
- Guests are permitted to use the stairwells to access their guestrooms. These doors are unlocked.
Safety protocols may include:
- Buffets and coffee break stations are attended and served by an attendant to eliminate guest contact on serving utensils
- Prepackaged food on coffee breaks and individually packaged beverages (no pitchers or carafes) are served
- Disposable cups and glasses are used for all breaks; Flatware is provided as a roll-up
- Butler passed food and beverage is suspended; Preset food and drinks is restricted; All meals will be boxed or pre-packaged foods
- Partitions for food service lines have been installed
- All linen, including underlays, are replaced after each use
- Social distancing floor decals
Watch for Symptoms
People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
This list does not include all possible symptoms. CDC will continue to update this list as we learn more about COVID-19. Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness.
Coronavirus Self-Checker
The Coronavirus Self-Checker is an interactive clinical assessment tool that will assist individuals ages 13 and older, and parents and caregivers of children ages 2 to 12 on deciding when to seek testing or medical care if they suspect they or someone they know has contracted COVID-19 or has come into close contact with someone who has COVID-19.
The online, mobile-friendly tool asks a series of questions, and based on the user’s responses, provides recommended actions and resources.