Your health and safety are ASM’s utmost priority. As we plan to return to an in-person meeting, we are actively evaluating conditions and have developed meeting policies to ensure a safe environment for all participants traveling to Charlotte, N.C.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, local conditions and safety guidelines are constantly evolving. We are closely monitoring the current state, federal and local COVID-19 guidelines for in-person gatherings and travel restrictions since a lot can change between now and Nov. 2022.
ASM Conference on Biofilms Health & Safety Policies
Vaccination Required
All participants must provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination to be issued credentials to attend the 2022 ASM Conference on Biofilms. Participants must be fully vaccinated with a vaccine approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or World Health Organization (WHO). Following current Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, a person is considered fully vaccinated if they satisfy either of the following criteria:
2 weeks have passed since their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.
2 weeks have passed since receiving a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine.
Additionally, COVID-19 vaccines authorized for emergency use by the World Health Organization (i.e., AstraZeneca/Oxford, Covishield, Sinopharm and Sinovac), on or before Oct. 31, 2022 are approved for attendance to 2022 ASM Conference on Biofilms. Please refer to the list of approved vaccines with WHO EUL/PQ evaluation status.
ASM strongly encourages all attendees take a COVID-19 test prior to departing to Charlotte and follow all guidelines set forth by the CDC for travel.
Requirements for entry to the ASM Conference on Biofilms are subject to change at any time based on governmental, venue or other mandates applicable to the meeting.
SafeAccess Digital Health Pass: Vaccine Verification and Entry Protocols
The American Society for Microbiology (ASM) is partnering with SafeAccess, an industry-leading service provider, to ensure compliance with our health and safety policies. Beginning in late Sept., registrants will receive an invitation from SafeAccess to log in to the platform to upload their vaccine documents. Invitations will be issued within 3-5 business days of completing your registration. Participants are encouraged to add noreply@live.safeaccess.app and reminders@safeaccess.app to their approved senders email list to receive emails from SafeAccess.
SafeAccess reviews documents within 3-5 business days. Individuals must have a completed registration for the ASM Biofilms Conference to receive an invitation to upload vaccine documentation. When your documentation is reviewed and approved by the SafeAccess, you will be emailed a SafeAccess Digital Health Pass. Individuals are encouraged to upload documentation in advance of arriving to Charlotte to avoid delays in picking up badge credentials. Please be prepared to show your SafeAccess Digital Health Pass email at the registration desk located at the Sheraton Charlotte Hotel. If you have any questions or need assistance with your vaccination document upload, please contact SafeAccess via email at support@safeaccess.app.
*Requirements for entry to the ASM Biofilms Conference are subject to change at any time based on governmental, venue, or other mandates applicable to the meeting.
Masks Required For All ASM Biofilms Activities and Events.
ASM will require masks at 2022 ASM Biofilms regardless of local ordinances. All attendees, exhibitors, guests, staff and service partners will be required to wear masks at all ASM Biofilms affiliated events. Masks must completely cover your mouth and nose and fit snugly without gaps. Disposable masks will be available onsite.
Health Attestation Prior to Attending
Prior to entering the ASM Conference on Biofilms meeting venue, participants must attest they have not:
Been diagnosed with or tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 5 days.
Been directed to self-isolate by a public health authority or healthcare provider due to potential exposure to COVID-19 within the past 5 days.
Had any symptoms associated with COVID-19 infection, nor had any symptoms in the past 5 days, including fever of over 100.0; cough (not attributed to a pre-existing condition); shortness of breath or difficulty breathing; fatigue; muscle or body aches; loss of taste or smell; sore throat; congestion or runny nose; nausea or vomiting and/or diarrhea.
Had close contact (within 6 feet) with anyone under known quarantine or diagnosed with COVID-19 or showing systems of COVID-19 in the past 5 days.
Meeting Venue Safety Initiatives
COVID-19 Clean Hotel Protocols
The Sheraton-Le Merdien Charlotte Hotel Complex has instituted enhanced safety and cleanliness standards. Learn more about the programs these popular hotel chains have introduced to ensure guests enjoy a cleaner stay.
