SAA COVID-19 Guidelines

ARCHIVES*RECORDS 2022
HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY

We are excited to welcome attendees to ARCHIVES*RECORDS 2022, in-person in Boston, Massachusetts, August 25-27, 2022. The health, well-being, safety, and security of our attendees, partners, staff, guests, and members is our top priority and we remain vigilant in our COVID-19 protocols and policies. Our policies align with state and local public health orders as well as guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We recognize that our understanding of the COVID-19 virus will continue to evolve, and therefore our policies, procedures and plans will also evolve and be updated accordingly. All ARCHIVES*RECORDS 2022 attendees, including our vendor partners, exhibitors, speakers, volunteers, and guests, are encouraged to monitor the conference website for the most up-to-date policies and procedures. 

On February 18, 2022, the city of Boston lifted its vaccination requirements for indoor venues. While Boston has also lifted indoor masking requirements, at this time, we highly recommend that all attendees wear masks while in the hotel when not eating or drinking. Masks will be available to attendees as needed. 

BEFORE YOU TRAVEL

At this time, vaccinations and negative tests are not required to attend ARCHIVES*RECORDS 2022 in person. If an attendee tests positive within ten days prior to the start of the conference, SAA will refund the difference between all access and virtual only registration. We kindly ask that attendees stay home under the following conditions based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for quarantine & isolation, and travel:

• You have tested positive for or have been exposed to COVID-19 in the 10 days prior to arriving, even if you are not showing symptoms;
• You are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 identified by the CDC at CDC.gov; and/or
• You are under any self-quarantine orders.

DURING THE CONFERENCE

During the conference, attendees are strongly recommend to:

• Wear a mask in all meeting spaces, except when eating or drinking.
• Monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 each morning before leaving their hotel room. 
• Frequently use hand sanitizing stations available throughout the conference space.
• Choose a lanyard for your conference badge to indicate your preference for interacting with fellow attendees.
• Practice social distancing and respect the various seating arrangements in each meeting room.
• Bring rapid COVID-19 test kits to have on hand.

IF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS OR TEST POSITIVE

Attendees should assess their health prior to leaving your guest room each morning. If you experience symptoms of COVID-19 and/or test positive for COVID-19:

• Quarantine immediately in your hotel room.
• Contact conference staff at conference@archivists.org. Please provide your hotel room number. Staff can help you procure a rapid test, if needed.
• Notify the hotel that you are quarantining in your hotel room. Notify colleagues, if applicable, that they may have been exposed.
• Adjust your accommodations and travel plans to follow CDC guidelines for quarantining.
• If you test positive for COVID-19 within 10 days of your last day at the conference, please contact SAA at conference@archivists.org. 
• SAA staff will notify  conference attendees if someone tests positive for COVID-19, and ensure their identity remains anonymous.

HEALTH RESOURCES

There are several nearby pharmacies and testing facilities; you can find the closest ones here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/find-a-covid-19-test.

By attending ARCHIVES*RECORDS 2022, you voluntarily assume all risks of exposure to COVID-19 or any other communicable disease or illness, and voluntarily waive all such related claims and potential claims against the Society of American Archivists, its members and their respective boards, members, affiliates, officers, employees, and all persons acting by, through, under or in concert with them. SAA is not responsible for airfare or hotel costs if an attendee cannot attend or must extend their stay due to COVID-19.