Thoughts, feelings, and opinions about COVID-19 may differ widely from person to person. Please remember that those differences are never a reason, or an excuse, to treat anyone disrespectfully. The past two years have been hard for everyone. Let’s be kind and understanding. Let’s learn, network, and leave this event feeling hopeful and excited about what we have to look forward to in the future.
With that being said, the following recommendations have been developed to make this event a more comfortable and safer onsite experience for everyone.
If, at any time while in attendance at the Conference,
you begin to feel sick, please do not attend.
In order to minimize risks, NTFAQ will follow Tribal, federal, state, local, Northern Arizona University (NAU), CDC, and event venue guidelines and policies as recommended.
We strongly recommend the following for all attendees:
Be fully immunized against COVID-19 at least 14 days before their arrival at the event.
Virtual options are available for anyone uncomfortable with the current guidelines.
NTFAQ has updated our cancellation policy. If you need to cancel due to health-related risks, you will receive a full registration refund.
Attendees will be asked to comply with social distancing, aisle directions, and capacity limits implemented during each session as well as field trips.
Meal functions and special events will be modified to allow for the safe delivery and consumption of food and beverages. While all meals will be served in the dining room, there is a “to go” option so that you can eat your meals outside.
Recommendations to Manage Covid-19 Risks
Below are the recommendations for in-person events during the Covid-19 Pandemic.
Pre-Meeting Recommendations (72-hours in advance of arrival)
Test—purchase and take a COVID rapid-test. If positive and already registered, please contact the Conference Office j.sokol@nau.edu
Daily Self-Monitoring and Wellness Check—begin conducting a daily wellness check, including taking your temperature and self-monitoring for other symptoms.
Onsite
Test—it may be prudent to bring a COVID rapid-test with you in case you begin to feel sick while onsite so you may test as soon as possible. If you experience a positive test at any time while onsite, please contact the Conference Office immediately at j.sokol@nau.edu
Daily Self-Monitoring and Wellness Check—continue conducting a daily wellness check each morning before coming to the Conference, including taking your temperature, if possible, and self-monitoring for other symptoms. If you feel sick, please do not attend the Conference.
Frequent Handwashing/Sanitation—guest sanitation stations will be available throughout River Spirit Casino Resort. At least one sanitation station will be available per meeting room and pre-function space.
Masks are highly recommended at all times while participating in all Conference activities unless eating, drinking, or presenting your presentation.
Social Distancing – the Conference floor has been designed to offer adequate spacing for all individuals. Please be respectful of others’ personal distancing and allow for extra space while navigating through the Conference.
Post-Meeting Recommendations (up to 10 days after the meeting)
Daily Self-Monitoring and Wellness Check—continue conducting a daily wellness check including taking your temperature, if possible, and self-monitoring for other symptoms.
Test—if you begin exhibiting any COVID symptoms, please have a COVID test taken. If you test positive, please contact the Conference Office at j.sokol@nau.edu.
River Spirit Casino Resort COVID-19 Safety Protocols
The RSCR Play it Safe initiative follows the guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will adhere to local, Tribal and/or federal mandates. Frequent sanitation of all common areas will be conducted.
Additional COVID-19 FAQs
What if I experience symptoms and/or test positive while at NTFAQ 2022? While NTFAQ has taken steps to create the safest possible in-person meeting environment, COVID-19 can be contracted anywhere at any time. All in-person attendees should complete a daily self-assessment while at the meeting using CDC’s COVID-19 Self-Checker. If you experience any symptoms before picking up your conference materials or develop symptoms at any time while onsite, do not enter the conference space. We encourage attendees to bring rapid antigen test kits for self-testing during the conference. Please review the Tulsa area COVID Testing Sites link to schedule a test.
What is our policy on isolation if participants test positive? All those who test positive should immediately isolated and report to local public health officials; make arrangements for medical attention or extended stay according to local public health regulations. Due to CDC isolation periods, you will not be able to return to NTFAQ. You may join us digitally. Please visit the Covid protocols for the Tulsa Health Department for further information.
What is the NTFAQ staff’s responsibility for a conference participant who tests positive and is away from home? NTFAQ staff responsibility is limited to ensuring that impacted participants receive the information so they can get tested, report to public health officials, and access local medical care providers. NTFAQ cannot provide any medical advice.
What is NTFAQ’s policy on participant’s expenses for isolation/quarantine? All participants attend the event at their own risk. NTFAQ organizers are not responsible for any costs incurred due to isolation or quarantine.
Are participants required to be vaccinated against COVID-19? No, but we highly encourage all attendees, presenters, exhibitors, and staff to be fully vaccinated and boosted at least 14 days prior to the start of conference.
Will masks be required at the in-person conference? When social distancing is not possible, please wear a mask.
After I register, can I change my registration from in-person to virtual or vice versa? We understand that making plans is difficult these days. If your circumstances change, you can change your registration from in-person to online attendance or vice versa at any time. However, so that we may plan accordingly, we would appreciate changes to be made no later than March 31, 2022. Participants that cannot attend in-person can always join us digitally.
Tulsa Area COVID Testing Sites
Additional testing resources in Tulsa can be found here: https://www.tulsa-health.org/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/testing
If you have any further questions or concerns about the upcoming NTFAQ, please email j.sokol@nau.edu.