- Home
- Events
- INSPIRE 2022 Copenhagen
- INSPIRE 2022 COVID-19 Safety
|
COVID-19 SAFETY As of Saturday May 28, 2022 |
FACTORS TO CONSIDER FOR INSPIRE 2022
No travel is risk-free during the ongoing covid pandemic. The current advisory is at Level 2 for COVID-19 in Denmark, meaning exercise a high degree of caution. Official COVID-19 infection rates in Denmark have been decreasing for several weeks now, and hospitalizations and deaths have continued to decline. SLIDING NOT FLIPPING: The general scientific consensus is that we are currently in a phase when the coronavirus is "sliding" into new mutations that are significantly more infectious, developing the ability to evade immunity from prior vaccination and infection, but as far as we know, it is not yet "flipping" into new variants that are more dangerous overall for severe illness. Experts also agree that barring a dramatic intervention, almost everyone will be infected at some point with SARS-CoV-2. With recent developments of wave after wave of COVID-19, predictions are that everyone will also likely be infected again and again, similar to flu viruses of every two to five years. We cannot yet determine how dangerous COVID-19 infections are over the long-term, since the virus is capable of entering just about every tissue in the body and can linger for months or even years in some highly unfortunate people. If we continue to slide into new subvariants, SARS-CoV-2 could become less dangerous over time, but for some people, less dangerous could still be very bad -- we don't have enough evidence yet to make conclusions on this question, so every infection is a "toss of the dice." PLEASE NOTE: preliminary evidence shows that people who are vaccinated three times are especially well-equipped to "duke it out" with Omicron and its subvariants, even though they can become infected and be infectious. Their risk for serious illness appears to be extremely low unless they are in a high risk group. If you haven't received your third vaccination shot or the latest booster, consult with your medical professional since you may still have time to increase your protection before the conference. For you as a participant, COVID-19 infection can throw your travel plans into a loop, and can endanger people at a higher risk for severe illness. Despite vaccination status or prior infection, COVID-19 has reinfected people during every single wave. Be mindful that it is your responsibility, in consultation with your medical provider, to determine what an acceptable risk level for you is to travel to Denmark and to attend an indoor event. Not Vaccinated? For the safety of all participants, if you are not fully vaccinated, we strongly advise you to join our virtual platform instead of attending in-person. Feeling Ill? If you are ill, stay home -- do not endanger other participants. Attending an international conference indoors is a high risk activity for exposure to COVID-19. We will have participants attending from around the world where COVID-19 rates differ dramatically, including surges with different subvariants you may be more susceptible to, even with prior infection and vaccination. The more people you interact with indoors, the more closely, and the longer the interaction, the more likely you are to get or spread the virus that causes COVID-19. Based on the current COVID-19 Event Risk Assessment Planning Tool, the risk that at least 1 COVID-19 positive participant will be present at the venue during the conference is greater than 99 percent. The latest Omicron subvariants, BA.2.12, BA.2.12.1, BA.4 and BA.5, do not appear to increase the risk of hospitalization or death, but are significantly more transmissible than BA.2 and BA.1. The new subvariants may also cause reinfection for people who have already had BA.1, BA.2, and prior covid infections. What you can do? If attending Copenhagen in-person, you can significantly lower your risk of contracting COVID-19 and spreading it to other participants by following the recommendations for large gatherings from the Danish Health Advisory and the Centers for Disease Control: 1. Vaccines: ensure that your vaccines against COVID-19 are up-to-date -- don't attend in-person if you are not vaccinated 2. Illness: Stay home if you are ill -- do not endanger other participants 3. Social distance: keep your distance socially with other participants when you are indoors, meaning at least 2 arms lengths away, especially if you are not wearing a mask 4. Face masks: when indoors, wear an appropriate face mask, specifically an n95 or kn95. We will be providing face masks for participants upon entrance into the venue 5. Ventilation: open windows whenever possible for better ventilation 6. Hygiene: avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or inside your elbow, then wash your hands as soon as possible It is your personal responsibility to follow the above guidelines to protect yourself and your fellow participants. RISK GROUPS: Higher risk groups for severe illness from COVID-19 include adults above 50, and risk increases with age. If you have an underlying medical condition or a weakened immune system, you are also at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Talk with your medical provider as you consider your personal risk of travel to Denmark. INSIDE COPENHAGEN: COVID-19 restrictions have been removed from Denmark in public spaces. However, be prepared to show proof of vaccination via your corona passport or equivalent, and/or to wear a face mask when mandated at private businesses, such as restaurants and cafes, along with private cultural institutions like museums. TRAVEL: Please be sure to check for information regarding leaving and returning from the country where you reside (PCR tests, etc.). CONSIDER: Countries such as the United States require official proof of a negative covid test no more than 1 day before your flight departs to return to the United States. Testing centers are located near the Tivoli Hotel. Be prepared that COVID-19 infection may delay your return. VIRTUAL OPTION: If you're not comfortable or not able to travel to Copenhagen, please register for our expansive virtual option of the conference -- we have a dedicated team focused on optimizing your experience online! RECORDINGS: All sessions will be recorded based on the permission of presenters during lecture portions for later viewing of participants. A live streaming and virtual option are offered through the three days for online participants. |