COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS
​FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF
THE ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEASTERN BIOLOGISTS
​IN LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS
MARCH 30-APRIL 1, 2022

For the 2022 Annual Meeting, ASB has updated its Policies to ensure the safety of our attendees.
​***Please check here regularly as these policies may change.***

As a scientific organization, ASB strongly supports the recommendations of the CDC, WHO, and other health institutions and accepts the science that vaccines and masks help reduce the risk of the COVID-19 virus. Therefore, we encourage our members to get vaccinated, wear a mask, and utilize social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

1. All attendees to the annual meeting must be fully  vaccinated (according to CDC guidelines) prior to the meeting. We will use a third-party verification system to confirm vaccination status at registration. Attendees unable to be vaccinated must have official medical exemptions that will be verified through our third-party verification system.
2. We ask anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 within 72 hours prior to the meeting, shows symptoms of COVID-19, or otherwise feels unwell to please refrain from attending the meeting. To make changing your plans easier, we are offering a full refund until the start of the meeting. However, we ask that you let us know if you will not be attending with as much advance as possible so we can make proper arrangements. We will not be able to refund travel or hotel expenses. 
3. If you experience symptoms while attending the meeting, ASB and Marriott staff will work with you to arrange proper health services.
4. Mask requirements will follow CDC recommendations, but we reserve the right to strengthen mask requirements beyond what is recommended by the CDC at any time. Please bring masks and follow posted instructions. 
5. We ask that attendees maintain social distancing whenever possible, including in sessions, hallways, and the Exhibit Hall. Seating during sessions and posters in the exhibit hall will be spaced accordingly. When traveling and dining, we suggest staying with the people from your institution.
6. Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the meeting.
7. Food provided during sessions, breaks, the Thursday Night Social, and Friday Awards Banquet may be modified to reduce contact.
8. We will follow any State, Local, or Convention Center/Hotel protocols that exceed those listed herein. 

Although we are greatly looking forward to gathering together in person and sharing our science in Little Rock, we understand that this pandemic has put stress on everyone physically, emotionally, and financially. Therefore, we want you to do what you think is best. If you have any questions about ASB's protocols please reach out to [email protected]. If we don’t see you in Little Rock, we will see you in Winston-Salem in 2023!