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Health &Safety Guidelines

The American Crystallographic Association considers the safety of everyone at ACA2022 our top priority.  The ACA is preparing the ACA 2022 Annual Conference in-person event experience so that all individuals onsite—attendees, speakers, staff, and venue personnel—remain safe and comfortable throughout the event. To promote the safety of everyone at the event, the ACA will follow the guidance and requirements of the CDC, State of Oregon, Multnomah County Health Department, the Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront and other local regulations regarding COVID safety practices. The ACA Health & Safety Guidelines may change from time to time in accordance with the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines and applicable federal, state, or local governmental orders, regulations, and/or guidelines intended to reduce the spread and risks of exposure to COVID-19.

 

ACA2022 Best Practices

As an attendee, your safety and wellbeing are our number one priority. With that in mind, the ACA will implement the following best practices:

  • Vaccination Requirement: All participants at ACA2022 whether a presenter, attendee, exhibitor, vendor, guest, or staff are required to be fully vaccinated, and if eligible, must have received a booster.  (see more details on vaccination requirements below) 

  • Masks: Face masks will be required in all indoor and outdoor spaces.

    • ​An acceptable “mask” is made of at least 2 layers of breathable fabric or hospital-grade material; fully covers the nose, nostrils, and mouth; fits firmly under the chin, and fits snugly, but comfortably against the side of the face.  Information on the different levels of face masks from the CDC can be found HERE.  

    • Face shields are not permitted.

  • Social Distancing:

    • All seating in session rooms will be set to accommodate current social distancing recommendations.  

    • Handshaking, hugging or other unnecessary person-to-person contact will be discouraged between all participants.

  • Symptoms & On-site Protocol:

    •  Please do not travel or attend ACA2022 if you are not feeling well or think you have been exposed to COVID-19 or other viruses.

    • If onsite and you become feverish or coughing, please stay in your room and notify ACA HQ [(716) 248-8209] to report illness - seek medical attention to obtain a COVID-19 test and do not return to the event until a negative test result is obtained.  

    • The ACA reserves the right to deny entry to anyone seeking admittance or remove them from the venue should they present any COVID-19 like symptoms or refuse to wear a mask.

  • Waiver & Acknowledgment: Attendees will be required to read, acknowledge and comply with code at all times relevant to the ACA2022 conference.  

  • Post Conference:  All registrants and guests who test positive for COVID-19 within 14 days after returning home from ACA2022 in Portland are asked to notify the ACA HQ by calling (716) 248-8209. Upon receipt of any such notification, and while maintaining the confidentiality of any attendee who reports a positive post-meeting COVID-19 test result, ACA HQ will notify all event attendees of their potential exposure to COVID-19 during the conference.


COVID-19 Attendee Waiver 

The American Crystallographic Association (herein ACA) is offering in-person attendance at its 2022 Annual Conference in Portland, Oregon pursuant to local government orders and public health guidance on such gatherings. ACA is committed to hosting a safe event for all participants and to this end, requires all attendees to comply with the ACA2022 Best Practices, the safety precautions specified for Portland, Oregon and the Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront in addition to other CDC guidelines and recommendations.

By acknowledging on the registration form, these protocols and waiver of liability, the attendee hereby acknowledges and agrees to the following:

COVID-19. I am aware of the existence of COVID-19, and that my participation in an in-person meeting may cause injury, illness or death to myself and/or my family.

Symptoms. I will not attend in-person if I have experienced symptoms such as: fever, fatigue, difficulty breathing, dry cough, or other symptoms related to COVID-19 within 72 hours prior to my scheduled arrival.

Isolation/Quarantine. I will not attend if I must isolate or quarantine because I may have been exposed to a person with COVID-19 or if I am awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test or I have been diagnosed with COVID-19 within the last 14 days.

COVID-19 Exposure. I will not attend if I have been in close physical contact (six feet or closer for at least 15 minutes cumulatively over a 24-hour period) with a person who is known to have laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 or with anyone who has symptoms consistent with COVID-19 within the last 14 days.

Behavior. While at the event, I will take follow all health and safety protocols as required by the facility and ACA. These precautions may include, but are not limited to, engaging in appropriate social distancing, wearing a mask in public areas and meeting spaces (if required), minimizing face touching, frequently washing my hands and avoiding high-risk environments such as overcrowded bars or restaurants.

Masks. If required, I will wear an appropriate mask, as recommended by the CDC and local public health departments, at all times, unless otherwise permitted. My mask will cover my nose and mouth and can be described as an N95, KN95, surgical or multi-layered mask. If requested by ACA staff, I will wear a mask provided by the conference organizers.

On-site illness. Once I am onsite at the event, I agree not to attend the meeting if I am experiencing symptoms such as: fever, fatigue, difficulty breathing, dry cough, or other symptoms related to COVID-19. I agree to promptly report a positive COVID-19 test to the designated authority.

Expenses due to COVID-19. I acknowledge that I am solely responsible for all costs related to COVID-19 virus prevention and mitigation, including testing, medical care, extended hotel stays, changes in travel arrangements, and any other expenses related to COVID-19.

 

Vaccination Requirements

Proof of vaccination and if eligible a booster is mandatory to attend ACA2022.  For purposes of this requirement the ACA will use the terms "fully vaccinated" and "up-to-date" as defined by the CDC.  

All individuals will need to be fully vaccinated and up-to-date, if eligible for a booster, by July 15, 2022, 14 days from the start of ACA2022.

All attendees must be vaccination verified through CrowdPass, a HIPPA compliant service provider. All attendees will be sent a link to upload vaccination documents. More specific details regarding vaccination verification in the near future.  

A negative COVID test or exemptions will NOT be accepted and there will be NO on-site registration.