Keeping Our Community Safe: COVID-19 Safety Measures at PHA Events
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a great impact on our community. It has affected the physical health of many people, sometimes with fatal consequences, and also their mental health because of isolation, misinformation and uncertainty.
PHA has a responsibility to advocate for the physical and mental well-being of our community, which includes keeping PHA event attendees safe by providing safeguards against COVID-19 transmission. While no measure is failproof, we intend to make our events as safe as possible by overlapping safety measures.
Until further notice, all PHA event attendees, volunteers and staff must comply with the following safety measures to attend PHA-hosted or -sponsored events.
Indoor events involving patients:
Vaccination: During online or onsite registration, attendees must attest they have received all inoculations recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at the time of the event. If vaccinated outside the US, the vaccine must be approved and recognized by the health authority in the country where it was issued.
Negative tests: Attendees must be prepared to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours of the event. Both PCR and antigen tests are acceptable, as are home tests. Proof may consist of a letter dated within 48 hours, a photo of the results, or the actual test. Most health insurance providers, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover testing costs. You can secure tests at your local pharmacy or online. Attendees must be symptom free at the beginning of the event and immediate isolate if they develop any symptoms during the event.
Masking and social distancing: Tight-fitting N95 or KN95 face masks are required for all in public indoor spaces, regardless of vaccination or test status. Masks may be removed while eating, drinking or taking medication. When eating and drinking, depending on the venue, social distancing is encouraged. Attendees also are expected to practice social distancing throughout the event space. Please note that PHA doesn’t provide masks.
Outdoor events involving patients:
Vaccination and symptom-free requirements remain in effect. In addition, testing and masking are strongly encouraged.
Indoor or outdoor events not directed at patients:
Vaccination and symptom-free requirements listed above must be met. When in close proximity, masking is strongly encouraged.
To maintain strong, efficient safety measures, PHA can’t make exceptions. Please reach out to us about virtual participation opportunities.
Although no event or social gathering is risk-free, we intend to minimize transmission risks by implementing multiple layers of safety, while continuing to make PHA events a cornerstone of our work to bring hope and the PH community together. Thank you.