Health & Safety
TENC organizers are committed to producing an onsite event that will be protective of human health and comply with venue and state safety guidelines that may be in place at the time of the event. Recommendations and requirements may change at any time. Any updates or changes to the recommendations outlined below will be posted on this page and included in email updates sent to registered attendees.
In order to minimize risks, TENC will follow Tribal, federal, state, local, Northern Arizona University (NAU), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and event venue guidelines and policies as recommended. For the safety of all participants, wearing of masks will be required for attending indoor conference sessions when social distancing is not available. We also strongly recommend all attendees be fully immunized against COVID-19 at least fourteen (14) days before their arrival at the event.
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. Let’s learn, network, and leave this event feeling hopeful and excited about what we have to look forward to in the future.
If you begin to feel sick at any time while onsite at the Conference, please do not attend in-person sessions.
Please note the following:
Virtual options are available for anyone uncomfortable with the current guidelines.
Attendees will be asked to comply with social distancing, aisle directions, and capacity limits implemented during all sessions and activities.
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 (NEIEN@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 Recommendations
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 (NEIEN@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 in-person.
Frequent Handwashing/Sanitation — guest sanitation stations will be available throughout the venue.
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.
Masks are highly recommended at all times while participating in all Conference activities unless eating, drinking, or presenting your presentation.
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 (NEIEN@nau.edu).
Additional COVID-19 FAQs
Will masks be required at the in-person conference? When social distancing is not possible, please wear a mask.
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.
What if I experience symptoms and/or test positive while at TENC 2022? While TENC 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 Flagstaff 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 TENC. You may join us digitally. Please visit the COVID protocols for the Coconino County Health Department for further information.
What is the TENC staff’s responsibility for a conference participant who tests positive and is away from home? TENC 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. TENC cannot provide any medical advice.
What is TENC’s policy on participant’s expenses for isolation/quarantine? All participants attend the event at their own risk. TENC organizers are not responsible for any costs incurred due to isolation or quarantine.
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. Participants that cannot attend in-person can always join us digitally.
If you have any further questions or concerns about the upcoming TENC, please email NEIEN@nau.edu.