NASW Virginia and Metro DC chapters’ number-one priority is the health and safety of you and all event participants. Our goal is to hold a safe event, recognizing that it is not possible to remove all risks, particularly pertaining to COVID-19.
Toward that end, we have developed the health and safety policies outlined below and have worked closely with the Doubletree by Hilton Williamsburg Hotel, which has instituted enhanced safety measures with our shared goal in mind.
These policies apply to all attendees (including NASWVA and Metro DC chapter staff, consultants, presenters, exhibitors, and volunteers) and are consistent with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
NASWVA and Metro DC will monitor applicable state and local requirements and public health recommendations and update the policies below as appropriate to best protect the health and safety of attendees. Please check this website periodically for the latest changes.
Specifically, you will be required to
Under CDC guidance, persons in areas with designated “high” COVID-19 community levels are encouraged to wear a mask indoors in public, regardless of vaccination status. We have opted to require masks if the community level is medium or high.
As of November 28, 2022, the community level where the event venue is located (James City County) is low. If at the time of the event, the level is high or medium, you will be required to wear a mask indoors.
You will be notified via email prior to the event regarding whether masks will be required. If a mask requirement is not in effect at the time of the event, masks will be encouraged.
If a mask requirement is in effect, you will be required to wear a surgical mask with at least three layers of fabric or a KN95, KF94, or N95 mask. This is consistent with CDC guidance on the most effective face coverings.
Wearing only a cloth mask or gaiter will not be acceptable; however, individuals may choose to wear cloth masks or gaiters over a surgical mask or a KN95, KF94, or N95 mask.
You will be expected to take reasonable precautions to reduce the risk of COVID transmission and to behave responsibly. We ask all attendees to be vigilant in monitoring their health.
If you have COVID or suspect you may be infected but do not yet have test results, please do not attend the event. For information on preventing the spread of the virus to others, see the CDC guidance on isolation precautions for people with COVID.
Also, if you have been exposed to someone who has COVID, please follow the CDC guidance on precautions to take after exposure.
NASWVA and Metro DC chapters and Doubletree by Hilton Williamsburg (the venue) have taken enhanced health and safety measures for event attendees related to COVID-19. Nevertheless, attendance at the 2023 NASWVA and Metro DC Annual Conference (the event) may give rise to an increased risk of contracting COVID-19.
Although the safety of event attendees is our highest priority, NASWVA and Metro DC cannot guarantee that attendees will not become infected as a result of their participation.
In order to attend the event, we require that all attendees consent to a waiver of liability related to COVID-19. Please carefully review the waiver that follows and indicate your consent below.
I acknowledge the contagious and evolving nature of COVID-19 and voluntarily assume the risk that I may be exposed to the virus at the event and become infected as a result.
I accept sole responsibility for any potential illness or other harm to myself (and any associated expense) related to contracting the virus while attending the event. I hereby release, covenant not to sue, discharge, and hold harmless NASW, its employees, agents, and representatives from all liability of any kind related to COVID-19.
I will comply with all COVID-related policies that may be implemented by NASW and the venue. This includes, but is not limited to, mask-wearing and social distancing requirements, as well as restrictions on certain activities that carry higher COVID-related risk.
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