Please Note: The COVID-19 situation in the United States is fluid, and we continue to monitor developments that may impact attendees for our 2022 NERCOMP Annual Conference. As such, we will continue to update the safety precautions outlined below as appropriate to minimize risks to conference attendees and staff. In order to stay current, check this page periodically leading up to the conference.
NERCOMP is requiring all registrants to be fully vaccinated* prior to participating in the in-person conference. A COVID-19 booster shot is strongly encouraged as extra protection, and the CDC may update their "fully vaccinated" definition to include a boost before the event.
Attendees who cannot show proof of vaccination will need to provide proof of a recent** negative COVID-19 PCR test or a negative clinician-delivered*** or proctored**** Antigen test (results from rapid antigen self-tests will not be accepted) prior to participating in the conference.
Regardless of vaccination status, if you have recently tested positive for COVID-19 or have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, please check the most recent CDC guidelines for isolation, testing, and mask wearing protocols.
These requirements are consistent with best practices for conferences and other events/activities.
*Fully vaccinated status is defined as having received the last required dose of a CDC or WHO recognized COVID-19 vaccine at least 2 weeks before the start date of the conference
**PCR test results should be within the last 48 hours, Antigen test results should be within the last 24 hours
***A clinician-delivered test is one administered by a licensed medical professional. Examples include in-person lab testing facilities, pharmacies, and doctor’s offices
****A proctored antigen test can be administered either in-person at a dedicated facility or at home via a telehealth service. Examples of the telehealth option include the Abbott BinaxNow™ Ag Card Home Test paired with eMed’s NAVICA app, and the ellume COVID Test Kit paired with an Azova video observation session (sold separately). This is not a comprehensive list of proctored testing options nor do we endorse either product listed. We recommend checking with your local health care provider to determine the option that works best for you.
Attendees who are fully vaccinated* do not need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test before participating in conference activities. Attendees who cannot show proof of vaccination will need to provide proof of a recent** negative COVID-19 PCR test or a negative clinician-delivered*** or proctored**** Antigen test (results from rapid antigen self-tests will not be accepted) prior to participating in the conference. We recommend carefully planning ahead to attendees who opt to show proof of a negative test. You should schedule your PCR test on Saturday3/12 if you plan to pick up your badge on Monday 3/14. Most PCR tests aren’t available for lab work on Sundays, so you might consider a proctored/clinician-delivered antigen test as an alternative.
*Fully vaccinated status is defined as having received the last required dose of a CDC or WHO recognized COVID-19 vaccine at least 2 weeks before the start date of the conference
**PCR test results should be within the last 48 hours, Antigen test results should be within the last 24 hours
***A clinician-delivered test is one administered by a licensed medical professional. Examples include in-person lab testing facilities, pharmacies, and doctor’s offices
****A proctored antigen test can be administered either in-person at a dedicated facility or at home via a telehealth service. Examples of the telehealth option include the Abbott BinaxNow™ Ag Card Home Test paired with eMed’s NAVICA app, and the ellume COVID Test Kit paired with an Azova video observation session (sold separately). This is not a comprehensive list of proctored testing options nor do we endorse either product listed. We recommend checking with your local health care provider to determine the option that works best for you.
On-site testing will not be available at the Rhode Island Convention Center. The City of Providence maintains a list of testing sites which could be a local alternative to on-site testing at the Convention Center. Note some of these providers require appointments and pre-enrollment, so please plan ahead. If you feel ill or have had close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 while on-site, we want you to know where to go, how to get tested, and what to do if you test positive. We are working with our Providence partners to create the resources you need to seek medical advice or treatment while in Providence.
Registered attendees will receive instructions about how to document their vaccination or testing status.
All staff participating in the in-person event will be vaccinated. In addition, the Rhode Island Convention Center staff will be required to be vaccinated prior to participation in the event, or provide a recent negative test result.
Regardless of vaccination status, all event staff and participants/attendees should wear masks. Masks will be available on-site if you need one. Attendees who cannot wear masks due to a health condition should consult a medical professional about possible alternatives.
We are building the event to accomodate 500 attendees to join us in Providence. Regardless of the size of the conference, we are committed to providing a top-notch experience for those who attend.
Currently, there are no social distancing mandates in the city of Providence. However, we are asking that attendees be mindful of fellow attendees who may be less comfortable with close contact or sharing spaces. Attendees will have the option to add stickers to their badge to indicate their comfort level for close contact.
We will widely distribute and showcase pandemic etiquette messaging, letting attendees know about protocols such as whether it is okay not to handshake or hug, reminding attendees to wash or sanitize hands often, and to always respect others’ personal space. This will include signage to raise awareness about etiquette, as well as badge sticker options to display your personal preferences for how other attendees should expect to engage with you.
Masks will be available on-site if you need one, and attendees will be reminded to wear a proper-fitting mask by event personnel. Hand-sanitizing stations and disposable disinfectant cloths such as Lysol or Clorox wipes will be available throughout the conference space.
The City of Providence maintains a list of testing sites. Note some of these providers require appointments and pre-enrollment, so please plan ahead. If you feel ill or have had close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 while on-site, we want you to know where to go, how to get tested, and what to do if you test positive. We are working with our Providence partners to create the resources you need to seek medical advice or treatment while in Providence.
If you test positive for COVID-19 during the conference, please check with your health care provider to make sure your basic health and wellness needs are met. Please inform [email protected] of your situation.