COVID-19 Plan & Protocols

Health & Safety in San Diego

Our priority is your health and safety!
The Society for Pediatric Anesthesia (SPA) appreciates the impact that the COVID pandemic has had in the professional and personal lives of our members, meeting attendees, exhibitors, staff, and guests. 

SPA has partnered with ASA and CLEAR to provide a safe experience for you at the SPA 35^th Annual Meeting.  With CLEAR’s Health Pass feature, your COVID-19 health screening is quick, easy, and secure for all in-person attendees, exhibitors, staff, and guests.  Complete your health screening now for expedited check-in and entry.  LEARN MORE and download the app.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are also attending ASA ANESTHESIOLOGY 2021, please register for CLEAR’s Health Pass app through the ASA to prevent you from needing to use two separate codes and so that you can utilize the app throughout your stay in San Diego.  Click here instructions and to use their code.

SPA will continue to monitor the evolving public health guidance from the CDC and requirements from the state and local governments regarding gatherings and will provide regular updates and additional guidance.

If you cannot or choose not to comply with the SPA 35^th Annual Meeting on-site health and safety requirements, we encourage you to register and attend the meeting virtually.  Click here to register.  If you have already registered for in-person attendance and need to change to virtual, please contact Jenny Patterson at jenny@societyhq.com no later than Thursday, September 30, 2021.

FAQs about in-person safety requirements

Are masks required?
Yes, masks are required for all indoor events and activities.  SPA will have masks available if you need one.

Is there a vaccination requirement?
The SPA Board of Directors has determined that the most effective way to ensure the safety of all attendees is for them to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.  If you are not vaccinated or prefer not to disclose your vaccination status, you will be required to take a PCR test 72 hours prior to your arrival at the SPA 35^th Annual Meeting.  Learn more about CLEAR’s Health Pass to ensure you’re all set for a seamless experience.

• Proof of full vaccination will be required for all in-person meeting attendees, exhibitors, and staff.
• Only vaccines authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the World Health Organization (WHO) will be accepted.
• A person is considered fully vaccinated:
  • 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, or
  • 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson's Janssen vaccine.

• Non-Vaccinated individuals: You will be required to take a PCR test 72 hours prior to your arrival at the Manchester Grand Hyatt for the SPA 35^th Annual Meeting. Here are your recommended testing windows based on your arrival in San Diego.

Where should I go for COVID-19 testing when in San Diego?
Resources near the meeting venue and hotels will be identified for attendees to obtain a PCR test for those who experience symptoms when in San Diego and for those who must show proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test in order to board their return flight.

What are the other On-Site Health and Safety Measures?

• Contactless badge pickup – Grab your badge and go!
• Disposable masks and hand sanitizer will be available at the registration desk.
• Social distancing will not be required. Session rooms and the Exhibit Hall will be set up to accommodate attendees who prefer more physical distance as well as those who prefer to sit closer together.
• Session rooms and AV equipment will be disinfected after each session and common areas disinfected continuously.
• The Manchester Grand Hyatt has achieved the GBAC STAR™ facility accreditation which expands their already thorough cleaning protocols to establish a safe, sanitary, and healthy environment, all monitored by regular internal and third-party auditing.

International Attendees
International attendees should always check current travel restrictions to the U.S. on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website before planning your travel, to make sure you will be able to enter the U.S. and return to your home country.

Families and Guests
SPA realizes that attendees often travel to meetings with their families or guests.  Any guests or family members (age 12 and over) must also be fully vaccinated or provide proof of a negative COVID test (see above) to enter the SPA 35^th Annual Meeting space and activities.

Helpful Information & Resources
Hyatt Hotels – Commitment to Care & Cleanliness
San Diego County – COVID Dashboard
California Department of Public Health
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)