As we continue to monitor the ongoing Covid-19 health crisis, our single most important duty as conference hosts is to keep our community members safe. We are putting extra measures in place for the 2022 World Forum on Early Care and Education to protect attendees from the spread of COVID-19. The following guidelines have been created alongside health and safety experts and are designed to minimize risks and maximize health. These guidelines may change as we get closer to the event as we monitor conditions and stay in communication with both the Orange County Health Department and the Hyatt Regency Orlando.
Event Entry Requirements
Currently, the United States requires proof of vaccination for all travelers prior to entry into the country. The World Forum Foundation requires all event participants to present proof that they are fully vaccinated or have received a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours prior to check-in at event registration. This event entry requirement applies to all World Forum delegates, staff members, sponsors, presenters and family members participating in any World Forum activity in Orlando.
Entry Option #1: Vaccination: An individual must present proof of vaccination by a COVID-19 vaccination approved by the US FDA or the World Health Organization. Individuals are considered to be fully vaccinated 14 days after receiving the second dose in a two-dose series or 14 days after receiving a single dose vaccine. Individuals choosing this entry option must present a paper vaccination card or show a photo of a vaccination card upon check-in at the event registration desk to gain entry.
Entry Option #2: Negative Test: To use this entry option, individuals must present negative results for an FDA-approved COVID-19 test (PCR or Antigen test). The COVID-19 test results must show documentation that the test was taken no more than 72 hours prior to check-in at event registration. There are multiple testing sites within a few miles of the Hyatt Regency Orlando including a current list which can be found here. Testing sites and hours may change, so this list can be verified through the Orange County Department of Health.
Verification Process
The verification process will be conducted by the World Forum Registration Team and guests will only need to fulfill this entry requirement once in order to receive their event welcome packet and name badge. World Forum delegates and other participants will be denied entry and not receive their World Forum badge/credentials if they do not present documentation of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test. Once negative test results have been obtained and presented to World Forum staff at the registration desk, they will be permitted entry to the event.
Masking Requirement
Masks will be required for all participants inside the hotel at all World Forum venues and sessions, except when eating or drinking. The only exception will be made for presenters while they are speaking during a general or breakout session. Also, masks will be required inside of all vehicles used for transportation for optional tours. Masks must cover the participant’s nose and mouth.
Additional COVID Safety Protocols
Where possible, we will encourage social distancing at World Forum activities. Each event participant will also be provided a red or green sticker for their name badge that will help others know whether they are comfortable with hugging and shaking hands, or whether they prefer to greet without touching.
We encourage everyone to wash their hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available. The Hyatt Regency Orlando will have sanitizing stations placed throughout the hotel and the World Forum on Early Care and Education meeting space.
Let’s Keep Each Other Safe
We want to protect each other during the event, so we ask everyone to monitor themselves carefully before and during the event for any COVID-19 symptoms or exposure. We ask that individuals refrain from attending or immediately isolate themselves if they come down with any COVID related symptoms or feel they have been exposed, until they can verify through appropriate testing that they do not have COVID-19.
See the following documents from the Florida Department of Health to help you identify COVID symptoms or to know what to do if you suspect you have been exposed to COVID-19.
What do I do if I think I was exposed to COVID-19?
To further protect the health and safety of our community, you should stay home if you experience any of the following within the fourteen (14) days prior to your scheduled arrival date to Orlando, Florida, USA:
-Tested positive or have been deemed presumptively positive with COVID-19;
-Sought testing to determine whether you might have COVID-19 due to contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, and have not yet received the results;
-Been informed that you may have been exposed to Coronavirus or learned that you have been in the immediate vicinity of a person now known to have been carrying the Coronavirus
If you have any questions about World Forum Foundation’s wellness protocol, please reach out to [email protected].