COVID-19 Policy
The NNA Community Office aimed to create an engaging in-person meeting while still protecting meeting participants, Elders, immuno-compromised and high-risk individuals, and the Anchorage community from COVID-19 transmission. We asked that all in-person attendees abide by the following guidelines. As we developed these guidelines we were mindful that the vast majority of attendees will be guests to the Anchorage area, that we were inviting rural community members who will be traveling from and returning to their home communities, and that our meeting was held the week prior to the Thanksgiving holiday when many will be traveling to visit their loved ones.
Vaccination required: We require in-person attendees to be fully vaccinated and boosted. During registration, in-person attendees must attest that “I will be fully up-to-date with my COVID vaccinations at least two weeks prior to the start of the meeting".
Minimize prior exposure: Please take extra precautions to minimize exposure during the week before the meeting, as well as during travel to and around Anchorage. This might include measures such as avoiding large indoor gatherings or masking using a good quality (e.g., KN95) mask during travel.
Test beforehand: Take a rapid COVID-19 test within 24 hours prior to your departure to attend the meeting. This is in everyone’s best interest as it will hopefully prevent individuals from having to quarantine at the event if they become sick.
Test daily: On the first day of the meeting, we will provide all in-person participants with rapid COVID-19 tests to be taken on subsequent mornings for the meeting before arrival at the conference center. We ask that people self-test in their hotel rooms prior to arriving each day; however, we will have extra tests for testing onsite for those that may forget to test beforehand. Please report positive test results by filling out this form, or send an email to contact@nna-co.org immediately so we may assist you in finding a space to isolate.
Report symptoms: Fill out this form or send an email to contact@nna-co.org if you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms. Because individuals with recent variants are often symptomatic before they test positive on rapid tests, we will ask individuals who become symptomatic during the meeting to isolate from the group. We will do our best to assist to make isolating as comfortable as possible.
Masks required: We will require masking indoors at the meeting, except when eating, drinking, or presenting. We will provide free masks to all participants daily for those that need them.
Sanitizing and social distancing: We will have hand sanitizer widely available at the meeting, as well as disinfectant wipes to be used on shared surfaces such as microphones and meeting tables. Please remember to utilize these often, and practice social distancing when possible.
Weigh your risk: If you are at high risk for getting very sick from COVID-19, we strongly encourage you to carefully evaluate whether in-person attendance is appropriate for you. Much of the meeting will be offered in a virtual format.
Regarding isolation: Please note that unless your travel is supported by the NNA-CO, you will be responsible for any costs associated with isolating after a positive test or onset of symptoms.
Relevant COVID-19 Resources
Center for Disease Control (CDC) definition for fully vaccinated.
Municipality of Anchorage COVID-19 Response information page. This includes up-to-date information on the COVID-19 community case rate for the Municipality of Anchorage.
Alaska Department of Health COVID-19 Information page. This includes weekly updates for COVID-19 cases state-wide.