COVID Event Protocol, 2022 National Leadership Conference

2022 National Leadership Conference
COVID SAFETY PROTOCOLS

REVISED: May 13, 2022

As the current global coronavirus pandemic continues, Omicron Delta Kappa (O∆K) is both cautiously optimistic and prepared to manage our place-based events with the health, safety, and well-being of our attendees in mind. O∆K is committed to providing a safe, productive, and welcoming environment in which to learn. All participants, including, but not limited to, attendees, speakers, sponsors, volunteers, O∆K staff, service providers, and others are expected to abide by this code of conduct and all policies in effect for the event.

We will continue to monitor and update safety precautions for the National Leadership Conference (NLC) regularly and coordinate with trusted national resources, state and local public health agencies, and the hotels/venues hosting the event.

At present, we continue to assess the risks in the area local to the event and the current status in the United States. In keeping with the Society’s duty of care and the responsibility as host, O∆K has implemented safety requirements for the NLC.

We reserve the right to modify these policies and procedures at any time given the rapidly changing nature of the current global coronavirus pandemic.

Vaccination Requirement

In keeping with the Society’s duty to care and responsibility as host, Omicron Delta Kappa has decided that all participants at the in-person NLC, whether a presenter, attendee, exhibitor, staff member, guest, or vendor will be required to be fully vaccinated. “Full vaccination” means that either 14 days have passed since receiving the second dose of FDA/CDC– or WHO–authorized (or emergency use authorized) double-dosed vaccine or receiving an approved single-dose vaccine. Proof of vaccination will be required to attend the National Leadership Conference.

We strongly encourage all attendees who are eligible to receive the COVID-19 booster in addition to being fully vaccinated. Omicron Delta Kappa is following the CDC definition of fully vaccinated for vaccination requirement for the event, but we encourage individuals who are eligible to receive the booster prior to attending the event. Attendees will be required to provide FDA/CDC– or WHO-approved proof of vaccination status upon arrival at NLC in Lexington, Kentucky. Omicron Delta Kappa will review vaccination status but will not retain a copy of any medical records.

PCR Testing

For those individuals who are not vaccinated, you will be offered the option to register, but you will be required to provide documentation of a negative PCR test completed no more than 72 hours prior to arrival in Lexington, Kentucky.

Omicron Delta Kappa strongly encourages individuals to be tested for COVID prior to traveling to any O∆K event. Individuals who test positive should stay home and cancel their registration.

Mask Requirement

All participants at the National Leadership Conference will NOT be required to wear masks during the event except when in private offices or prviate conference rooms. However, if you choose to wear a mask, it is highly recommended that attendees wear a KN95, KF94, or N95 quality mask while attending the conference. A mask will be provided to you at registration. Presenters will not be required to wear their masks while presenting. When wearing a mask, it must cover both the mouth and nose. We ask that participants honor the requests of others who choose to mask and/or maintain physical distancing.

University of Kentucky Guidelines

The University of Kentucky requires masks inside all buildings and recommends vaccines. OΔK will adhere to all university policies, regulations, and recommendations. Read the UK Spring Guide.

Please contact Tim Reed (tim@odk.org), vice president for membership and operations, to discuss modification(s) to mask policies.