Travel & COVID-19 Policy

COVID-19 Policy

We are aware that for many attendees this will be your first in-person meeting since the COVID-19 global pandemic started and that some of you may be anxious about being around a lot of people. The following measures are in place to help you all feel a little more at ease: 

  1. Outdoor seating will be available during meal times.
  2. You may collect a sticker at the registration desk to indicate your preference:    
    • Handshakes OK;
    • Elbow/Fist Bump OK;
    • I need my space.
  3. To help ensure a successful event with little or no transmission of COVID-19, all participants when indoors will be required to wear a face covering that is consistent with CDC masking guidelines.
  4. Masks must be worn covering the nose and mouth and may be lowered briefly while eating or drinking. Masks with exhalation valves, vents, or other openings are not permitted; respirators must be limited to filtering facepiece respirators, such as N95s. Any participant needing accommodation should contact decam10years@noirlab.edu at least one week before the meeting.
  5. Organizers encourage all attendees to be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines before attending the event. Up to date means a person has received all recommended primary series COVID-19 vaccines and booster doses where eligible.
  6. KN95 masks will be available at the registration desk.

For hotel health and safety information refer to their webpage: https://www.graduatehotels.com/graduatecares/

If there is anything else that you can think of that might be useful please send an email to the LOC members (decam10years@noirlab.edu).

What if there is a positive case?

If you start to have Covid symptoms and/or have a positive test at any time during the week of the meeting you should not attend the meeting until you have a confirmation of a negative Covid test. If you test positive you should inform the Local Organizing Committee by email at decam10years@noirlab.edu and if possible provide the names of attendees you may have been in close contact with; they will be informed. The need for close contacts to quarantine will be determined by the CDC recommendations and individuals will be advised and guided by the Safety Manager. Participants should bring their own self-tests where possible, these are available for free on most US health insurance plans (or can be purchased from the nearest Pharmacy). We plan to have a limited supply of self-tests available if needed urgently or for those that don't have access to tests.

If you test positive before you travel please don't attend the meeting. 

What about unvaccinated participants?

We require attendees who are not up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations, as defined by the CDC, to wear a mask at all times and to keep a distance of at least 6ft/2m from other participants.

Attendees arriving from outside of the United States should review government travel guidance to confirm eligibility and requirements for travel. See travel.state.gov for further details.

Do you have additional suggestions? Send them to decam10years@noirlab.edu.

This policy may be updated closer to the event.