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COVID-19 Health and Safety

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Last Updated: Tuesday, November 2, 2021

We are eager to engage with our community, both in-person and virtually, at the Annual Meeting in Baltimore this fall to discuss this year’s theme, “Truth & Responsibility.” As always, the health & safety of our attendees are our top priorities, and we’re working closely with the Baltimore Convention Center and our host hotels to ensure we’re following the latest local, state, and federal public health guidelines.

Please make sure to check this page for the latest Annual Meeting health and safety news. Here’s what we have planned to help keep our in-person attendees, our volunteers, and AAA staff safe at the Annual Meeting.

Interactive Table of Contents

  1. Health and Safety Protocols at the 2021 AAA Annual Meeting
    1. Before You Arrive
    2. What to Expect Onsite for the Duration of the Meeting
  1. Local and Travel COVID-19 Resources
    1. Convention Center and Hotel COVID Policies and Information
    2. Domestic Travel
    3. International Travel
    4. COVID Testing Information
    5. Nearby Pharmacies, Clinics, and Hospitals
    6. State and Local Health Departments
  2. Questions?

Health and Safety Protocols at the 2021 AAA Annual Meeting

Before You Arrive

  1. Proof of Vaccination – All attendees, staff, and vendors are required to upload proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 before retrieving their badge for the in-person 2021 AAA Annual Meeting.
    • AAA COVID-19 QR CodeSubmitting Proof of Vaccination – Proof of vaccination will need to be uploaded to our COVID-19 Health & Safety system.
      • Option A: Submit through the mobile phone system. Please scan the following QR code or text “Hi” to 1-866-558-0874 from your mobile phone. From there, please follow the prompts to upload your proof of vaccination. 
      • Option B: Submit directly to the website without use of a mobile phone. Go to the 2021 AAA Annual Meeting 42 Chat Website and follow the prompts from your browser. You will not receive a text confirming your vaccination document validation because this is a browser-based website instead of SMS. Please only use this method if you are unable to use the mobile phone method.
    • At least 14 days must have passed since your last dose to be considered fully vaccinated. Therefore, you must have received the final dose of a COVID-19 vaccine prior to November 3, 2021. There will be no exceptions to this policy.
    • International Attendees: The documented vaccine MUST BE one that is approved/authorized by a relevant national medical authority. Check if your vaccine has been approved by the World Health Organization.
      • If you have any questions regarding the WHO vaccinations allowed to attend AAA or questions about your vaccination documents, please contact the AAA Meetings Team using the questions form at the end of this page.
    • The CDC does not recommend travel until you are fully vaccinated.
  2. General Wellness – We ask all attendees to be vigilant in monitoring their health. If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, or have been in close contact with someone who has had COVID-19 in the 14 days before the meeting, please do not attend in-person.

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What to Expect Onsite for the Duration of the Meeting

Additional requirements, protocols, and safety measures may be added as the leadership of AAA continues to reevaluate the plan for the hybrid 2021 Annual Meeting. Please check this page on a regular basis.

  1. Personal Protective Equipment – Attendees will be required to wear a CDC-approved mask that covers both your nose and mouth at all times while indoors (unless actively eating or drinking).
    • AAA masks and mask filters will be available in the registration area in the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor Second Floor East Foyer for anyone who would like one. 
  2. Social Distancing – Distancing will be encouraged whenever possible.
  3. Reduced Capacities/Seating in All Rooms – Meeting/exhibit spaces will be designed to accommodate social distancing.
  4. Increased Hygiene and Sanitization – The Baltimore Convention Center and hotels in the AAA Housing Block will provide hand sanitization stations and enhanced cleaning and sanitizing procedures.
  5. Red circle, Wednesday = Red; Blue circle, Thursday = Blue; Yellow circle, Friday = Yellow; Purple circle, Saturday = Purple; Green circle, Sunday = GreenDaily Health Attestation – As an attendee, you will provide an attestation every day that you are symptom-free.
    • Option A: Submit through the mobile phone system. Every morning you can scan the above QR code, or you will respond to a text from 1 (866) 558-0874 asking you to answer three health attestation questions for entry into the meeting. If you pass the check, you will receive a green check mark on your phone. Show that check mark to any AAA staff member when you arrive to the meeting to receive that day’s color sticker for your badge.
    • Option B: Complete your health attestation daily at the on-site registration desk. Every day you will need to first go to the meeting’s registration desk to answer three health attestation questions for manual entry into our system. If you pass the check, you will receive that day’s color sticker for your badge. This process does not require a mobile phone. Please only use this method if you are unable to use the mobile phone method.
  6. Health Sticker Checks for Each Session – When attending sessions, you will need to present your badge and that day’s color sticker. Badge checkers throughout the spaces will be looking for each day’s color sticker on your badge to admit your to meeting activities.
  7. Indicate Your Desired Level of Interaction with Fellow Attendees – We understand we’re all at different places in our comfort with re-entry into the social world and groups of people. While everyone at the meeting is fully vaccinated, it’s important to respect each other’s wishes regarding how we would like to interact. Feel welcome to select and display either a red, yellow, or green ribbon on your badge that will indicate your level of comfort with attendee interaction. Ribbons are located at the registration desk.
    Example digital image of a green ribbon with white text: "High fives & handshakes plus frequent hand washing" Example digital image of a yellow ribbon with blue text: "Elbow bump!" Example digital image of a red ribbon with white text: "6' Apart- No Contact. No Exceptions."
  8. COVID-19 Symptoms or Illness – If at any time you feel unwell, please immediately go to the First Aid room at the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor, Second Floor, Calloway AB. The medical professional there will assist you, while keeping you and other attendees safe.

Onsite assistance with COVID Health & Safety protocols will be available at the registration desk.

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Local and Travel COVID-19 Resources

Convention Center and Hotel COVID Policies and Information


Baltimore Convention Center COVID-19 FAQs

Hotels in the AAA housing block provided information related to their COVID-19 and cleaning policies, which may be reviewed below. 

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Domestic Travel


Masks are required on planes, buses, trains, and any other public transportation throughout and entering the United States. Learn more about the Requirement for Face Masks on Public Transportation from the CDC.

CDC Domestic Travel Recommendations and Requirements for Fully Vaccinated People:

  1. Self-monitor for symptoms
  2. Wear a mask and take other precautions during travel

Unvaccinated people should additionally:

  1. Get tested 1-3 days before travel
  2. Get tested 3-5 days after travel and self-quarantine for 7 days. Self-quarantine for 10 days if you don’t get tested.

The above text about domestic travel may also be reviewed in a visual format provided by the CDC .

Many states have their own quarantine requirements. Review Maryland’s recommendations on COVID-19 Travel as well as updates from Maryland’s governor. The CDC also provides a COVID-19 Travel Planner for return trips.

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International Travel


Currently, the U.S. requires proof of a negative COVID-19 test for all air passengers arriving from outside the United States, including U.S. citizens and Legal Permanent Residents, even if fully vaccinated.  International arrivals must be tested no more than three days before their departure and will need to present the documentation of a negative test result or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 to the airline before boarding the flight.

Learn more about Required Testing before Air Travel to the US and the Requirement for Proof of Negative COVID-19 Test or Recovery from COVID-19 for Air Passengers Arriving into the United States from the CDC.

CDC International Travel Recommendations and Requirements for Fully Vaccinated People:

  1. Mandatory test required before flying to US
  2. Get tested 3-5 days after travel
  3. Self-monitor for symptoms
  4. Wear a mask and take other precautions during travel

Unvaccinated people should additionally:

  1. Get tested 1-3 days before traveling out of the US
  2. Self-quarantine after travel for 7 days with a negative test or 10 days without test

The above text about international travel may also be reviewed in a visual format provided by the CDC .

COVID-19: Testing Before Travel Graphic

Image description:

  • An information graphic regarding COVID-19: Testing Before Travel provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, published 2/16/2021 2PM with publishing number CS321935-A.
  • The graphic is outlined as a decision tree, starting with “Get tested no more than 3 days before you travel. Postpone travel if you are waiting for test results. Watch for symptoms of COVID-19.”
  • To the left, “If you test negative…“, first, “Keep a copy of your test results with you during travel.” Above the text is a circle with minimalist symbols of a folder, a print file, and a save icon.
    • Second, “Take precautions to protect yourself and others from getting COVID-19.” Above the text is a circle of a light-skinned person with brown hair pulled back in a bun wearing a pink floral face mask.
  • To the right, “If you test positive or develop symptoms of COVID-19…”, first, “Do not travel.” Above the text is a white circle with a dark line placed diagonally across the middle.
    • Next, “Immediately isolate yourself.” Above the text is a dark triangle with a white exclamation point in the center.
    • Finally, “Follow public health recommendations.” Above the text is a minimalist graphic of a clipboard with a paper check list with three checks.
  • The final text of the graphic instructs, “If you fly to the US from a foreign country, you must provide a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before boarding your flight.” www.cdc.gov/covid19travel

CDC International Travel Recommendations for Before, During, and After Your Trip

Masks are required on planes, buses, trains, and other methods of public transport.

Be sure to check your own country’s policies for your return.

COVID-19 Country Specific Information (U.S. State Department)

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COVID Testing Information


Find COVID-19 testing locations in Baltimore. Please check the locations before visiting, as locations and hours are subject to change.

Locations near the convention center. Please be sure to check back frequently or review the COVID-19 testing locations page provided by Baltimore because locations may change.

  • University of Maryland Medical Center – Downtown Campus

    • 22 S. Greene St. Baltimore, MD 21201
    • Patients should call 211 to speak with a provider and be screened for testing.
    • Patients who are eligible for testing will be scheduled at a Baltimore City testing location.

  • Mercy Medical Center

    • 345 St Paul Pl, Baltimore, MD 21202 
    • Patients should call 410-332-4866 to speak with a provider and be screened for testing.
    • Patients who are eligible for testing will be scheduled at a Mercy testing location.

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Nearby Pharmacies, Clinics, and Hospitals


Pharmacies

  1. UMMC Pharmacy at Redwood
    • Phone Number: (410) 328-5243
    • Address: University Square Bldg, 11 S Paca St, Baltimore, MD 21201
    • Distance: 0.4 miles northwest of the Baltimore Convention Center
      • Time by Car: ~3 minutes
      • Time by Public Transportation: n/a
      • Time by Walking: ~8 minutes
    • Hours:
      • Monday-Friday: 9 AM-5 PM
      • Closed on Saturdays and Sundays
  2. AHF Pharmacy – Baltimore
    • Phone Number: (410) 246-4877
    • Address: 11 E Lexington St Ste 100, Baltimore, MD 21202
    • Distance: 0.6 miles northeast of the Baltimore Convention Center
      • Time by Car: ~3-8 minutes
      • Time by Public Transportation: ~11 minutes
      • Time by Walking: ~15 minutes
    • Hours:
      • Monday: 9 AM-6 PM
      • Tuesday: 10:30 AM-7:30 PM
      • Wednesday-Friday: 9AM-6 PM
      • Closed on Saturdays and Sundays
  3. CVS Pharmacy
    • Phone Number: (410) 685-4843
    • Address: 400 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202
    • Distance: 0.7 miles east of the Baltimore Convention Center
      • Time by Car: ~3-8 minutes
      • Time by Public Transportation: ~8 minutes
      • Time by Walking: ~15 minutes
    • Hours:
      • Monday-Friday: 9 AM-7 PM
      • Saturday-Sunday: 10 AM-5 PM
  4. Walgreens Pharmacy
    • Phone Number:(410) 625-1817
    • Address: 19 E Fayette St, Baltimore, MD 21202
    • Distance: 0.8 miles northeast of the Baltimore Convention Center
      • Time by Car: ~4-10 minutes
      • Time by Public Transportation: ~10 minutes
      • Time by Walking: ~13 minutes
    • Hours:
      • Monday-Friday: 7 AM-8 PM
      • Saturday: 8 AM-7 PM
      • Closed on Sundays

Urgent Care

  1. Concentra Urgent Care
    • Phone Number: (410) 752-3010
    • Address: 100 S Charles St Suite 150, Baltimore, MD 21201
    • Distance: ~0.3 miles north of the Baltimore Convention Center
      • Time by Car: ~3 minutes
      • Time by Public Transportation: n/a
      • Time by Walking: ~6 minutes
    • Hours: 
      • Monday-Friday: 8 AM-5 PM
      • Closed on Saturdays and Sundays
  2. UM Urgent Care | Downtown Campus
    • Phone Number: (410) 328-1660
    • Address: 105 Penn St, Baltimore, MD 21201
    • Distance: 0.5 miles west of the Baltimore Convention Center
      • Time by Car: ~2-6 minutes
      • Time by Public Transportation: ~ 8 minutes
      • Time by Walking: ~11 minutes
    • Hours: 
      • Monday-Friday: 8 AM-8 PM
      • Closed on Saturdays and Sundays
  3. MinuteClinic
    • Phone Number: (866) 389-2727
    • Address: 630 S Exeter St, Baltimore, MD 21202
    • Distance: 1.2 miles east of the Baltimore Convention Center
      • Time by Car: ~6-20 minutes
      • Time by Public Transportation: ~15 minutes
      • Time by Walking: ~24 minutes
    • Hours:
      • Monday-Friday: 8:30 AM-7:30 PM
      • Saturday: 9 AM-5:30 PM
      • Sunday: 9 AM-4:30 PM

Hospitals

  1. The University of Maryland Medical Center
    • Phone Number: (410) 328-8667
    • Address: 22 S Greene St, Baltimore, MD 21201
    • Distance: ~0.4 miles west of the Baltimore Convention Center
      • Time by Car: ~3 minutes
      • Time by Public Transportation: ~6 minutes
      • Time by Walking: ~8 minutes
  2. Mercy Medical Center
    • Phone Number: (410) 332-9000
    • Address: 345 St Paul Pl, Baltimore, MD 21202
    • Distance: ~1.0 mile northeast of the Baltimore Convention Center
      • Time by Car: ~6-16 minutes
      • Time by Public Transportation: ~15 minutes
      • Time by Walking: ~18 minutes
  3. The Johns Hopkins Hospital
    • Phone Number: (410) 955-2280
    • Address: 1800 Orleans St, Baltimore, MD 21287
    • Distance: ~2.1 miles east of the Baltimore Convention Center
      • Time by Car: ~10-25 minutes
      • Time by Public Transportation: ~20 minutes
      • Time by Walking: ~43 minutes

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State and Local Health Departments and Resources


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Questions?

Please use the below form to connect with the AAA Meetings Team regarding any questions or concerns you have about the in-person meeting and COVID-19.

[contact-form to=”aaameetings@americananthro.org” subject=”COVID-19 Question about 2021 AAA Annual Meeting”][contact-field label=”Name” type=”name” required=”1″][contact-field label=”Email” type=”email” required=”1″][contact-field label=”Message” type=”textarea” required=”1″][/contact-form]

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