EAPA COVID/Health Policy for all In-Person Events

Introduction:

EAPA is committed to taking reasonable precautions to ensure a safe and healthy environment for its staff, Board members, Committee members, as well as all who attend an in-person event sponsored by EAPA. EAPA continues to develop various policies and safety protocols to help reduce risks associated with communicable health diseases.

Purpose:

The health, safety, and wellness of EAPA members and all who attend an in-person event sponsored by EAPA remains a top priority for EAPA.  To this end, EAPA will monitor local and regional governmental health organizations for current guidance and recommendations related to communicable diseases.  Guidelines may vary across locations, venues, and events in accordance with legislative policies and local regulations. Additionally, EAPA will follow the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in the US guidance.

Definitions:

“COVID-19” means a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, including variants thereof.

“COVID-19 vaccine” or “vaccine” means a vaccination approved by government health authorities.

“Up-to-date vaccination” or “Fully vaccinated” means having received the full series of COVID-19 vaccine or combination of COVID-19 vaccines. This includes boosters when included in the full series of the COVID-19 vaccine.

“Health Check” means a safety protocol instituted by organizers to help reduce attendee exposure to COVID-19. EAPA guidelines by vary across regions, venues, and events. Some common measures may include, but are not limited to:

• Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or proof of a negative COVID-19 diagnostic test result within 72 hours prior to entering the event. For any attendee from outside the United States, the equivalent requirements must be met.
• Daily temperature tests first thing in the morning.

Scope:

Effective immediately, this policy applies to EAPA Staff, Board of Directors, Committee members, and all who attend an in-person event sponsored by EAPA.

Policy: This will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors with guidance from the local health department.  EAPA reserves the right to implement the following policies.

Health Check

All attendees at an in-person event sponsored by EAPA may be required to submit to a health check.

Proof of vaccination/Diagnostic Testing

EAPA may require proof of up-to-date vaccinations, or an approved diagnostic test for entry to an in-person event within 72 hours prior to the start of the event.

Either the physical vaccination card, or a confirmed digital record, or the presentation of a negative test result may be considered acceptable proof with matching government issued identification.

Masking

All attendees, vendors and staff may be required to wear a mask in any indoor or enclosed setting, regardless of vaccination status. Exceptions to wearing a mask apply when actively eating or drinking. Masks may be removed when attendees are outside the event site.

Exemptions

Individuals with a medical condition may be required to provide medical certification and may be required to undertake COVID-19 diagnostic test(s) to provide proof of negative results within 72 hours prior to entering an in-person event.

Cancellations/Refunds

If the participant has documented COVID positive results within 72 hours prior to the event or a documented positive test within a period shorter than the accepted quarantine period (as defined by the CDC) to the event, a full refund minus a $50 processing fee will be given.

Once an event has begun, a refund minus any EAPA costs that are non-refundable from the conference plus $100 administration fee.