Updated requirements regarding masks: Effective June 1, 2022

• Per CDC guidance, masks should be worn indoors in public in counties with a high COVID-19 community level. For the Annual Meeting, this means that medical grade masks are expected when not actively eating, drinking, or speaking at a microphone.
• This policy applies to all AMA-sponsored meetings of the House and all section meetings, including business sessions and assembly meetings, reference committee hearings, and associated gatherings.
• A limited supply of masks will be available at health and safety and registration desks.

As the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic continues to evolve, CDC recommendations have been modified, and Chicago and Illinois restrictions have been lifted. While it is impossible to foresee the situation that will exist June 8–15, the Board of Trustees recently adopted health and safety protocol that will be in place for the meeting. Please be aware that this protocol is the minimum requirement while noting that the Board continues to monitor the environment and may implement more stringent requirements as the meeting approaches.

This protocol applies to all attendees, including section members, delegates, alternate delegates and all guests.

All attendees at the section and House of Delegates meetings:

1. Must be up to date with respect to their COVID-19 vaccinations. “Up to date” corresponds to the CDC recommendations in effect on April 2, 2022*.

• For U.S. citizens, this means having received their COVID-19 primary series vaccine and, if eligible, (at least) one booster. The vaccine must have been authorized or approved by the FDA.
• For international guests, this means a vaccine approved by the World Health Organization.
• As per AMA Policy (H-440.970, “Nonmedical Exemptions from Immunizations”), medical exemptions will be honored. No other exemptions will be allowed. Persons seeking a medical exemption must contact [email protected] by May 15 for instructions.

2. Must agree to COVID-19 rapid antigen tests upon arrival and a second test 72 hours after the first test, with a negative test result in order to continue participating in the meetings.

• Individuals who test positive should self-isolate and may not participate further in the meetings.
• Any individual who develops symptoms should retest and not participate further until a negative result is confirmed.
• Attendees are encouraged to test prior to departure from home to avoid unnecessary travel.

3. Must agree to adhere to any additional requirements adopted by the Board of Trustees, the CDC, the city of Chicago or the state of Illinois in effect at the time of the meeting.

In an effort to provide a safe environment, your speakers have made modifications to provide greater physical distancing. Seating at the opening session (typically the highest attendance) will be “theater style” (no tables), allowing greater separation of seats and accommodating more attendees in the Grand Ballroom. The opening session will be recorded and live streamed for individual viewing. All other HOD sessions will be “classroom style” (tables and chairs as usual), but seats will be further distanced than past meetings. This will necessarily reduce the seating available for guests and alternates. Additional seating in the Exhibit Hall with closed video streaming will be available for all sessions of the House. Reference committee hearings will feature double the usual space allowing some distance between chairs. In addition, hand sanitizer and wipes will be available on the tables within the House and throughout the hotel in other meeting rooms.

All attendees will be required to appear at the health & safety desk to complete a health questionnaire, testing and required attestations before they will be allowed to proceed to the AMA registration desk to receive their badge and other meeting materials. No one will be allowed in the meeting rooms without a badge, and the badge can only be obtained by having appeared at the health & safety desk and the registration desk.

Meeting attendees will be kept up to date on any changes to this protocol and further details regarding the health & safety desk will be provided as it becomes available.

The Board of Trustees has implemented the following health and safety requirements for children participating in CampAMA. This protocol was developed in consultation with a group of parents who plan to use CampAMA for their children.

1. Advance registration will be required for all children planning to attend CampAMA. The deadline for registration is May 20, 2022. Please note that a maximum of 45 children can be accommodated on any given day due to space constrictions necessary for COVID-19 safety. No “walk ups” will be accommodated.
2. Any child with a fever or exhibiting other symptoms of illness should not participate in CampAMA. Children who become ill during the day must be picked up by their parent(s) upon notification.
3. All children eligible for vaccination (ages 5 and older) will be required to have proof of vaccination or medical exemption signed by their pediatrician or primary care physician.
4. All children over age 2 will be expected to wear a mask except while actively eating or drinking in designated areas. Parents need to bring an adequate supply of appropriately sized masks. AMA will have available a limited number of child-size masks.
5. All children over age 2 must have a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival and a second test 72 hours after the first test with a negative result to participate in CampAMA. A negative COVID-19 test is also required to return to CampAMA should the child have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or receive a diagnosis of COVID-19. Parents will be asked to attest to the result of testing. Any child testing positive after May 31 should not participate in CampAMA. Parents are encouraged to bring COVID-19 test supplies.
6. Children between 6 months and 2 years are welcome at CampAMA. Testing of these children will be at the discretion of the parents.
7. Parents are encouraged to test their children prior to departure to avoid unnecessary travel.

Please know that under current city and state regulations, hotel guests and staff are no longer required to wear masks or to be vaccinated, and restaurants and other establishments are following similar paths. Please note that the AMA is unable to impose requirements on the Hyatt or its employees.

This notice of current planning and required health and safety protocols is provided to allow attendees to know what to expect and to make decisions regarding their attendance. Those uncomfortable with attending under these requirements may wish to make alternate arrangements for representation.

*Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as of April 2, 2022: A person is up to date with their COVID-19 vaccination if they have received all recommended doses in the primary series and one booster when eligible. Getting a second booster is not necessary to be considered up to date at this time.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html

For additional information about the section meetings taking place June 9-10, visit the section meetings page.

For additional information about the HOD meeting taking place June 10-15, visit the HOD Annual Meeting page.