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HEALTH AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS AND POLICIES

UPDATED MAY 9, 2022

Meals on Wheels America is committed to providing a healthy and safe environment at the 2022 Meals on Wheels Annual Conference and Expo in Baltimore. We are actively tracking the evolving COVID-19 situation and are monitoring guidelines for health and safety measures from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), state and local public health agencies, and the hotel hosting the event.

Meals on Wheels America will follow applicable federal, state and local laws and requirements, adapting our plans accordingly and sharing updates with you as we get closer to August 15. While as of March 1, 2022, the City of Baltimore no longer requires masks in locations like hotels, Meals on Wheels America strongly encourages that our attendees continue to follow CDC’s latest guidance regarding COVID-19 Community Levels and mask wearing.

The details below are some of the precautions we will implement for the 2022 Meals on Wheels Annual Conference and Expo in Baltimore. All participants, including, but not limited to, attendees, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors and Meals on Wheels America staff are expected to abide by our code of conduct and all policies in effect for the event.

Please note that we can encourage hotel staff to abide by our code of conduct, but we are unable to enforce it.
 

 
REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS

VACCINATION REQUIREMENT

In keeping with the Association's duty to care and responsibility as host, Meals on Wheels America leadership has decided that all participants at the in-person 2022 Meals on Wheels Annual Conference and Expo, whether a presenter, attendee, sponsor, exhibitor, staff or guest, will be required to be up to date on their FDA- or WHO-authorized COVID-19 vaccination.

According to the CDC, you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines when you have received all doses in the primary series and one booster when eligible. Getting a second booster is not necessary to be considered up to date at this time, however it’s important to note that recommendations may be updated as CDC continues to follow data related to vaccine effectiveness and safety, waning immunity, and protection against variants.

Religious or medical exceptions to the vaccination requirement can be made, but one will need to provide a negative PCR test documented no more than 72-hours prior to arriving in Baltimore.

All attendees will be required to agree to our Health and Safety Protocol and Policies during the registration process and provide proof of vaccination status (or a negative PCR test) prior to attending the Conference in Baltimore. Meals on Wheels America will use the CLEAR Health Pass (directions coming soon) to provide easy verification leading up to the event.

Note: At this time, testing is a permissible option, however, if a local, city, or state vaccination requirement is implemented and in effect during our event, it would supersede Meals on Wheels America’s policy, thereby requiring all attendees to be vaccinated.

If you are unable to meet the requirements in effect at the time of Conference, please contact us at membership@mealsonwheelsamerica.org so that we can work directly with you on cancellation or substitution.

Meals on Wheels America strongly encourages individuals to be tested for COVID-19 prior to traveling. If you receive a COVID-19 diagnosis within two weeks of the event or are exhibiting related symptoms, please contact us at membership@mealsonwheelsamerica.org so that we can work directly with you on cancellation or substitution.

MASK REQUIREMENT

The City of Baltimore has lifted its indoor mask mandate as of March 1, 2022, and the CDC launched new guidance regarding COVID-19 Community Levels. As a result, masks are not mandated in indoor settings, including the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront. Given the number of individuals coming from across the country and the populations we serve, we strongly encourage participants to wear masks throughout the event. All attendees should be mindful and respectful of other attendees' health choices. Masks must cover both the mouth and nose. We ask that participants honor the requests of others to mask up and/or maintain physical distancing.

PHYSICAL DISTANCING

While many venues are not currently requiring physical distancing, Meals on Wheels America will provide color-coded badge stickers to all onsite attendees to help attendees communicate their level of comfort in interacting with one another:

  • Red = I’m physically distancing - please greet from 6 feet
  • Yellow = Please keep some distance - use elbow or fist bumps
  • Green = Handshakes, hi-fives and hugs

CONTINUED PLANNING

Meals on Wheels America is continuing to develop onsite protocols for seating, signage, meals, and other events during our 2022 event. More information will be posted on this website throughout the preparation for your arrival in Baltimore. We look forward to welcoming you to Baltimore for what we hope to be a wonderful reunion!