COVID Health and Safety Protocols

JASNA is committed to the health and safety of all attendees at the AGM. Our policies take into account current governmental regulations, Victoria Conference Centre rules, conference industry best practices, and the needs and preferences expressed by attendees at the 2021 AGM. If conditions or regulations change, we will adjust our approach as needed and keep you up to date via email and updates on this page. Our goal is to ensure a safe environment and to enable you to register with confidence, knowing that you have the option to switch to the Livestream/Virtual format through September 18 or access to recorded presentations after that date (see the Cancellation and Refund policy for complete details). 

Vaccinations Required to Attend the AGM

As of June 1, 2022, JASNA is requiring that all AGM attendees show proof of a full course of vaccination completed no later than September 14, 2022. All registrants must show their vaccination certificate at AGM check-in and sign a statement confirming their vaccination status. (Certificates will not be copied.) Booster shots are not required but strongly encouraged. 

Individuals who are not fully vaccinated may not attend the AGM. As most AGM attendees are from outside Canada and would not be able to meet conditions for entry to the country, JASNA is not accepting testing in lieu of vaccination for AGM attendees.

Safety and Health Protocols At the AGM

As of June 1, 2022 face coverings are no longer required by the Victoria Conference Centre. Currently, JASNA encourages but does not require AGM participants to wear face coverings.

Comments received after the 2021 AGM show that some AGM attendees are in favor of required masking. Assuming conditions continue to allow for a mask-optional policy at the time of the 2022 AGM, there are several steps JASNA and the facility will take to enhance AGM attendees’ comfort:

• From the VCC’s Safe Space Plan: “The Victoria Conference Centre’s HVAC system has been optimized for efficiency. Filters are being changed more frequently and are above industry standard . . . Electrostatic disinfectant is in use as part of our cleaning protocol for our larger spaces . . . Staff, contractors and suppliers have been trained on the safety, sanitation protocols and Duty of Care as per WorkSafe BC Safety Plan. A communicable disease safety plan is in place along with daily wellness checks.”
• JASNA will request maximum continuous ventilation of the meeting and dining space.
• Based on current attendance projections, we expect to have larger than usual spacing between chairs (though likely not six-foot spacing).
• In the general session room, part of the room will be designated as mask-required seating. While this does not eliminate the possibility of aerosol transmission of the virus, it can increase the comfort of those attendees who prefer not to sit directly next to someone who is not masked.
• Similarly, we will designate the banquet tables in one area as “masks on” except when eating and drinking.

The AGM policy on face masks may change if necessary. Updates will be communicated to registrants via email and posted in the Update Center.

If You Feel Unwell, Have Been Exposed, or Test Positive for COVID-19

Each of us must do our part to protect our own health and that of the most vulnerable among us. We ask that you:

• Do not come to the AGM if you have experienced or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, have been directly exposed to a suspected case of COVID-19, or have tested positive for COVID-19 within the 10 days prior to the conference.
• Remain in your hotel room and seek medical care if, during the AGM, you become unwell, experience COVID-19 symptoms, or learn that you have been exposed to COVID-19.
• Give yourself a daily wellness check before participating in AGM activities. The CDC provides an online self-checker and list of potential symptoms.
• Take a self-administered test if you are in any doubt, keeping in mind the limitations of such tests. Report any positive tests to the Vice President for Conferences at vpconf@jasna.org.
• Be considerate of others whose health status or risk tolerance may be different from your own.

Proof of Vaccination Required to Enter Canada

The Canadian government requires full vaccination (not including boosters) for unrestricted entry to Canada from other countries. Currently,  fully vaccinated travelers do not require tests to enter Canada, but must upload their proof of vaccination in the ArriveCAN system before arrival. Upon arrival at the border, vaccinated travelers may be selected for random tests, but if selected, are not required to quarantine.

Testing Required to Return to U.S.

Currently, the  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requires air passengers  entering the United States (including U.S. citizens and Legal Permanent Residents) to present a negative result of a COVID-19 taken no more than 1 day before departure​, or proof of recovery from the virus within the last 90 days. If this requirement is still in effect at the time of the AGM, information will be provided to AGM registrants to assist them in meeting this requirement. The CDC will review this requirement June 10.

We will continue to monitor requirements and conditions and will post any changes here.