2022 GRIN2B FAMILY WEEKEND COVID-19 PROTOCOL

Updated 7.01.2022

The health and safety of all attendees at the 2022 GRIN2B Family Weekend remains our top priority. Between now and the event, we will be closely monitoring the venue’s COVID policies, government mandates and policy changes, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, and public health advancements. As information pertaining to the virus continues to develop, we will adjust our approach as needed and keep you up to date with new developments to ensure a coordinated effort and a safe environment for all conference attendees.  

An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. According to the CDC, senior citizens and individuals with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable. By attending the 2022 GRIN2B Family Weekend, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 and agree to abide by our COVID policies for the event. Because we serve a vulnerable medical population, in some situations our COVID policies may be more restrictive than local mandates or current guidelines from the CDC.

We will follow the recommendations of the Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH). Due to an increase in the number of positive cases of COVID-19, suburban Cook County moved from “Low” to “Medium” in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) transmission level on April 28, 2022.  

Based on the current CDC guidance, CCDPH recommends:

  • Wearing a mask indoors to protect those at high risk for severe illness from a COVID-19 infection, including adults over the age of 50, those with underlying medical conditions, and the immunocompromised;
  • Socializing outdoors if possible and avoiding poorly ventilated indoor settings;
  • Testing for COVID-19 before attending a family or public event;
  • Requesting treatment for COVID-19 from a medical provider in the event of a COVID-positive diagnosis; and
  • Staying up-to-date with all COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters. Vaccines continue to protect people from severe disease and death from COVID-19.  Help us keep each other healthy. 

We strongly encourage individuals to be tested for COVID prior to traveling to the GRIN2B Family Weekend. Individuals who test positive should stay home and cancel your registration. Registration fees will be fully refunded. During your attendance at the GRIN2B Family Weekend in Chicago, you will be required to support our COVID-19 Safety Measures, and strictly follow our COVID-19 policies and procedures. 

These policies are subject to change at any time and we will continue to revise our policies as needed to reflect the current state of the pandemic. For questions regarding these policies, please contact us at info@grin2b.com. 

DURING THE GRIN2B FAMILY WEEKEND PLEASE NOTE:

Hand Sanitizer Stations

The venue will have hand washing facilities and/or sanitizing systems easily accessible to everyone throughout the event. 

Contact Policy

We encourage all attendees to minimize their physical contact with others at the conference.    

Health and Safety Signage

Signage will be placed to remind all attendees to frequently wash and sanitize their hands.

COVID Code of Conduct

To mitigate the spread of COVID-19, GRIN2B requires all participants to adhere to this code of conduct for their participation as an attendee of the 2022 GRIN2B Family Weekend.

Before Leaving Home

  • Follow relevant guidance provided by the WHO, CDC, and/or your local health authority regarding exposure, testing, and quarantine related to COVID-19.
  • Adhere to government-issued travel restrictions and guidance issued by the WHO, CDC, and/or the local health authority in the regions you will be traveling to and from.
  • Stay home if you feel unwell. 
  • Stay home if you are knowingly exposed to COVID-19, develop symptoms of COVID-19, or test positive for COVID-19 within 14 days prior to the event. 

Onsite During the Event

  • Follow guidance from the local health authority for everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of viruses including:
  • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or an alcohol-based sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
  • Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. Throw used tissues in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipes.

If, at any time, during the conference you feel unwell, learn that you have been exposed to COVID-19 at or less than 14 days prior to the event, develop symptoms of COVID-19, or test positive for COVID-19, do not attend the meeting. Please remain in your hotel room, or at home, and seek medical care.

Adherence to onsite guidelines in place at the time of event is required. Anyone not adhering to the guidelines will be asked to leave or be removed from the event premises and will not be eligible for a refund on their registration costs.

After the Event

If you learn that you have been exposed to COVID-19 at the event, were exposed less than 14 days prior to the event, or develop symptoms of COVID-19, or test positive for COVID-19 up to 10 days after returning home, please contact GRIN2B Foundation at info@grin2b.com so that we can alert conference attendees of potential exposure anonymously. Registered attendees will be notified of any potential event exposure.