COVID-19 Health and Safety Protocols and Information

COVID-19 Health and Safety Protocols and Information

 OEDA 2022 Annual Summit

 October 4-6 – Dublin, Ohio

The Ohio Economic Development Association is committed to providing a safe environment for attendees of the 2022 Annual Summit.  The Board of Directors has adopted COVID-19 protocols for this year’s conference that will allow us to do so.  OEDA will also follow the CDC, state, and local guidelines and facility-specific COVID-19 policies, in place at the time of the event.

At this time, Summit attendees are required to be either:

1. Fully vaccinated against COVID-19

OR

2. Have a COVID-19 test administered with a negative test result within the three (3) days immediately preceding the start of the Summit.

IMPORTANT:  By registering for the Annual Summit, attendees agree to meet one of these requirements in addition to following on-site protocols.  Attending an in-person event presents an inherent risk of exposure to communicable disease. By attending the OEDA 2022 Annual Summit, you voluntarily accept all risks related to exposure from communicable disease and agree to not hold OEDA or its representatives liable for any illness or injury. You agree to follow all safety protocols issued by OEDA.

Vaccination records and test results do not need to be provided.  We trust that OEDA members will be truthful with their certifications in that OEDA members are professionals, and our code of ethics for members requires integrity, honesty, and trust in our professional endeavors.

COVID-19 Testing Protocol
An individual must be fully-vaccinated or have a negative COVID-19 test within three days of the Annual Summit.  To meet the negative test protocols an individual must have:

• A negative test result from a test administered on October 1, 2, or 3, 2022.
• Tests administered on any other day do not meet the requirement.
  • COVID-19 tests can be obtained quickly and inexpensively, or even at no-cost, throughout Ohio.
  • Most health insurance providers cover the cost of COVID-19 testing. The Ohio Department of Health has more information about insurance and COVID-19 tests.
    • Rapid tests are available at retail pharmacies and grocery stories around Ohio. Results are usually available within 12 hours. OEDA strongly encourages individuals to schedule their test well in advance as testing appointments may fill up quickly.
  • Local health departments, libraries, and community health centers offer free or low-cost tests that can be performed on-site or at-home.
    • OEDA encourages individuals who plan to take an at-home test to obtain the kit 2-3 weeks in advance. Due to high demand, t at-home test kits may not be available on the day you plan to test will need a negative test result to obtain an at-home test kit 2-3 weeks prior to the Annual Summit so that they have it to test on Oct. 1, 2, or 3, 2022.
  • The BinaxNOW™ virtually-guided, at-home COVID-19 test is also available for purchase ($20-25) in-person and on-line from many major retailers. Due to potential low inventory, OEDA strongly encourages those planning to purchase an at-home test to do so well in-advance.  The tests expire  12 months from the date of manufacture.
  • For information about COVID-19 testing options, please visit https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/COVID-19-19/dashboards/other-resources/testing-ch-centers

COVID-19 Vaccination Protocol
An individual must be fully-vaccinated or have a negative COVID-19 test within three days of the the Annual Summit.  An individual is not considered fully vaccinated for COVID-19 until:

• 2 weeks after your second dose in a two-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines; or
• 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine
• If you don’t meet these time requirements, you are not fully vaccinated and must follow the negative test protocols.

Mask & Hygiene Protocol – updated October 13, 2021

• All Summit attendees are strongly encouraged to wear a medical-style face covering at the OEDA Annual Summit events, except when drinking and eating and/or if you are unvaccinated.
• Face coverings should cover the nose, mouth and chin.
• Cloth masks such as bandanas and gaiters; masks with exhalation valves; and clear shield-like face masks are strongly discouraged.
• Attendees are asked to follow good hygiene practices, including washing hands frequently and using hand sanitizer available at stations throughout the facility.

The association will continue to monitor and assess the COVID-19 situation and make adjustments to our protocols.  Updates will be provided in the Whova app.

Onsite Safety Plan – What to Expect When You Attend the 2022 OEDA Annual Summit

We are excited to come together in person for the 2022 OEDA Annual Summit!  Please review the important information below regarding things you’ll need to do to be prepared for the event:

Full COVID-19 Vaccination OR Negative Test Results Within 72 Hours of Arrival Is Required:

• These results do not need to be shared. We trust that OEDA members will be truthful with their certifications in that OEDA members are professionals, and our code of ethics for members requires integrity, honesty, and trust in our professional endeavors.

To be considered fully vaccinated for COVID-19:

• 2 weeks after your second dose in a two-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines; or
• 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine
• If you don’t meet these requirements, you are not fully vaccinated.

Acceptable negative COVID-19 test results:

• A negative test result must be a specimen collected within the 72 hours before October 4 ^th, the start of the OEDA Annual Summit. Tests should be administered on October 1, 2, or 3.
• For COVID-19 testing options, please visit https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/COVID-19-19/dashboards/other-resources/testing-ch-centers

Before You Arrive at the Annual Summit Check in:

• Please check the whova app to review any updated safety protocols.
• Bring a face covering if you are not fully vaccinated.
• If you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, or do not feel well, please do not attend the Annual Summit. If you begin to feel sick during the event, please notify the staff at the Summit check in desk, and please depart the Annual Summit immediately. If you test positive, please contact the OEDA offices at karla@assnoffices.com to cancel your Summit registration.

The Exchange at Bridge Park safety precautions:

• iWave air purification technology, a state of the art, hospital grade, air purification system that kills 99.4% of all viruses.  It is installed in the air conditioning system at The Exchange and reduces pathogens, allergens, and other particles, creating a healthy environment & limiting the risk of exposure to COVID-19.
• Frequent cleaning of all surfaces with a peroxide based cleaner – the building is cleaned throughout events, as well as nightly.
• Multiple hand sanitizer stations set up through the building.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, OEDA staff and leadership have continuously monitored and assessed various factors with respect to delivering in-person events. These include:  rules and guidance at the federal, state, local and facility levels; evolving public health and safety protocols and vaccination projections; the safety and health of our members, speakers, exhibitors, volunteers and staff; business trends, including travel forecasts for 2022.  These factors remain fluid, and we will continue to monitor them to ensure we can deliver a safe, informative, and fun in-person Annual Summit.

Please note that attending an in-person event presents an inherent risk of exposure to communicable disease. By attending the OEDA 2022 Annual Summit, you voluntarily accept all risks related to exposure from communicable disease and agree to not hold OEDA or its representatives liable for any illness or injury. You agree to follow all safety protocols issued by OEDA.