Meeting Health Policy
It is well documented that diseases, such as SARS-COV-2, can be transmitted by exposure to respiratory fluids (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/science/science-briefs/sars-cov-2-transmission.html) and is an airborne transmitted disease. For those travelling from outside the UK, the UK Government has removed all remaining domestic restrictions in England but provides a guide to steps that can be taken to reduce catching and spreading COVID-19 (https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus). The guidance includes i) get vaccinated ii) let fresh air circulate if meeting indoors or meet outside iii) consider wearing a face covering in crowded, enclosed spaces. UK Universities have followed the Government advice and there are no formal restrictions on the University of Manchester campus.
The following 2022 IGAC/iCACGP meeting policy was approved by members of the the IGAC Steering Committee and the iCACGP Scientific Steering Committee on 16 August 2022 and will be implemented to mitigate the spread of disease during the 2022 IGAC/iCACGP Conference.
Masks
- Face coverings are strongly recommended in all indoor public settings regardless of vaccination status (Exceptions are permitted: when speaking/presenting in an official capacity or when immediately eating/drinking). Face coverings should be non-cloth masks (e.g., FFP2/N95/KN95). Masks will be provided at the venue.
Vaccinations
- It is strongly recommended that all meeting attendees are fully vaccinated by the date of attendance unless they are unable to be vaccinated for health or religious reasons.
Other Considerations
- If you do not feel well or show any symptoms of COVID-19, please stay home. Please refer to the CDC Screening questionnaire as a resource.
- IGAC and iCACGP reserve the right to impose stricter policies and protocols than those outlined here.
- A mask and a lateral flow (antigen) testing pack will be available in attendees’ arrival packs. It is strongly recommended that these are utilised by attendees during the conference. If attendees test positive during the conference, please do not attend in person but stay in your hotel accommodation until you test negative.
- Hand sanitiser will be available in the conference centre
- Air exchange in the main venue has been monitored over the last two years and has been demonstrated to be efficient. CO2 monitoring has been undertaken during previous events and has been shown to not exceed 650 ppm. CO2 monitoring will be carried out during the event. Active air filters (HEPA) will be employed.