Health and Safety Protocols and Measures

PTCOG-NA is facilitating measures that seek to ensure optimal health and sanitary conditions in all environments where in-person interactions take place during the 7^TH Annual PTCOG-NA Conference. Whilst we are fortunate that most in our industry are vaccinated, we continue to do our very best to ensure the safest event possible. Attendees, staff, exhibitors, exhibitor appointed contractors, vendors and members of the labor force should stay home if they have tested positive for COVID-19, are waiting for their COVID-19 test results, have COVID-19 symptoms, or if they have been in close contact with a person who has tested positive for or who has symptoms of COVID-19.

General safety and wellness measures include but are not limited to:

Full third floor buyout limiting conference access to only PTCOG-NA participants and staff
Hand sanitizing stations
Mask requirement for anyone not yet vaccinated (can change due to Government or event restrictions)
Cleaning between sessions
Ample space within the Exhibit Hall
More space in scientific session rooms and classroom set up

In addition, all attendees will be required to agree to and abide by the below COVID-19 Assumption of Risk, Waiver, Compliance and Personal Accountability Commitments.

COVID-19 Assumption of Risk, Waiver and Compliance Commitment

I am aware of the inherent risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus involved in attending the in-person 7th Annual PTCOG-NA Conference in Seattle and that COVID-19 is a highly contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. To the extent that I attend the in-person event, I agree to honor the Personal Accountability Commitment stated below and to follow all instructions contained in the Attendee Policies, these Health and Safety Protocols and Measures, as well as any posted instructions and signage while attending the PTCOG-NA Conference and connected social events. I voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 when attending the 7th Annual PTCOG-NA Conference and social events and WAIVE LIABILITY AGAINST PTCOG-NA, ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, CONTRACTORS AND VOLUNTEERS FOR ANY LOSS, DAMAGES, OR SUFFERING RELATED TO EXPOSURE TO COVID-19.

Personal Accountability Commitment

I agree to abide by and engage in appropriate health and safety conduct as specified by PTCOG-NA while attending the Event. This includes, but is not limited to, adhering to the Health and Safety Protocols and Measures, posted signs, placards and verbal requests, engaging in physical distancing as appropriate, engaging in hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, and not attending the 7^th Annual PTCOG-NA Conference if I am ill or have recently been exposed to COVID-19.

Please continue to follow the below for the latest local updates from venues and suppliers regarding general safety and wellness measures.

General Seattle Update:

As of June 30, 2021, all businesses are permitted to move to 100% capacity, regardless of the public’s vaccination status, provided that ICU’s throughout the state have not reached 90% capacity. The state could fully reopen sooner if 70% of residents are vaccinated.

As of May 13, 2021, crowd size for vaccinated attendees is no longer limited at spectator events, conferences, live performances, weddings, funerals and more.

As of May 13, 2021, masks and physical distancing are no longer required for fully vaccinated individuals, per CDC guidelines. However, Washington Governor Jay Inslee has clarified that business owners maintain the legal right to require masks as well as request proof of vaccination prior to entry. We recommend carrying a mask and proof of vaccination with you at all times while in Seattle and King County

Conference Venue – The Bell Harbor International Conference Center

The Bell Harbor International Conference Center considers the health and wellbeing of its guests of paramount importance. They have partnered with Ecolab, a global leader in infection prevention, to enhance their already stringent safety and sanitation protocols through the Columbia Clean program. Current protocols include:

Increasing the number of customer-accessible hand sanitizing stations at primary entrances and high-traffic locations like elevators and lobbies.
Using commercial-grade MERV-13 rated air filters and opening doors and windows to improve ventilation whenever possible.
Utilizing highly effective and sustainable Ecolab cleaning products to clean and disinfect throughout the properties.
Increasing the frequency and intensity of cleaning and disinfecting high-touch, high-traffic areas, such as light switches, door handles, elevator buttons, and more.
Increasing the frequency of cleaning and sanitizing culinary tools and kitchen work areas, along with team members wearing personal protective equipment, sanitizing POS systems between uses, and more.
Enhancing cleaning and sanitation standards throughout event spaces, common areas, heart-of-house spaces and more.
De-cluttering paper and other amenities, such as pen, paper, directories, etc. and supplementing with digital options or providing amenities upon request.
Implementing innovative clean technologies, such as modern electrostatic sprayers and ultraviolet light to sanitize surfaces and objects.
Activating Columbia Clean Teams; team members thoroughly trained on health, hygiene, safety and sanitization standards and responsible for upholding these standards.

King County All Clear

When you visit King County, you can travel confidently knowing there are protocols in place to help keep everyone as safe as possible. In partnership with Visit Seattle and Seattle Southside Regional Tourism Authority, we have taken the All Clear King County Pledge, backed by public health protocols, to help our region reopen responsibly. As a visitor to our region, you too can take the pledge. Learn more about the All Clear King County Pledge to view an ever-growing list of businesses that are taking the pledge to make health & safety a top priority.

Hand Hygiene and Respiratory Etiquette

All attendees, staff, exhibitors, exhibitor appointed contractors, vendors and members of the labor force are asked to be mindful of their hand hygiene and wash their hands frequently (for example, before, during, and after using a keyboard or touch screen, or after touching garbage) with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and increase monitoring to ensure adherence.
If soap and water are not readily available, attendees can use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol and rub their hands until dry.
We encourage guests to avoid singing or shouting, especially indoors.
Please be mindful of coughing and sneezing practices to reduce the spread of germs by using a tissue or the inside of the elbow. Keeping hands clean can help prevent the spread of serious respiratory illnesses like influenza and COVID-19.

Additional Resources

Updates

PTCOG-NA will continue to monitor federal, state and local recommendations and will update these protocols and measures as appropriate. Additional updates from social event venues are also being prepared.

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