COVID-19 Safety at ACL 2022

It is the policy of ACL conferences that attendees wear high-quality, well-fitting masks while attending indoor functions at ACL events, removing their masks only the minimal amount necessary to eat and drink. This policy is in force even if local regulations are less strict, but may be superseded by stricter local regulations.  Furthermore, the ACL strongly encourages attendees to be cautious with masking in indoor space outside the conference venue (e.g. on public transit or while eating away from the venue) to avoid bringing COVID to the venue. This policy will be revisited annually by the ACL exec so as to be responsive to changing pandemic conditions.

Measures in place at the CCD

The Convention Centre Dublin (The CCD) aims to provide a safe and healthy work environment for all staff, clients, service providers, sub-contractors and other third parties, including delegates, exhibitors, and visitors.

 

Staff will adhere to all recommendations put forward by the Irish government regarding COVID-19 and commit to following all government advice and guidelines. The CCD team has implemented and maintained a number of measures to help to protect delegates and to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

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• A specific COVID-19 policy in place.

• Dedicated COVID-19 management team and response plan in place outlining all controls put in place to manage risk

• Air conditioning is a full fresh-air system with fresh air coming into the building and being discharged externally.

• Hand sanitiser is available at all entry points and at additional points during live events.

• Hot water and soap is available throughout the building for handwashing.

• Increased sanitisation has been put in place by the cleaning contractor. A schedule of all areas that are being sanitised is signed off daily.

• Technical equipment and microphones are sanitised before and after each session.

• Site emergency preparedness plans have been reviewed to take into consideration restricted or changed routes, first aid and isolation areas.

• Procedures are in place for dealing with suspected COVID-19 cases, including isolation areas both front and back of house.

Staying safe while attending ACL 2022 in person

This is essential information for anyone who will be present at our conference.

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Before you leave

We strongly encourage all participants to test before travelling to the conference and you should not travel if your test is positive. 

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Please ensure that you have checked with your airline to understand their policies regarding COVID-19 and have adequate travel insurance in place.

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Please ensure you have taken the time to read all of the latest advice about travel to Ireland. You can find this information here.

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At the conference

There are no legal COVID-19 restrictions in place in Ireland during ACL 2022 [https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/3361b-public-health-updates/].  However, to ensure everyone’s safety, and with the purpose of making everyone comfortable at the conference, please carefully consider the following if you are attending in person:

 

  • It is the policy of ACL conferences that attendees wear high-quality, well-fitting masks while attending indoor functions at ACL events, removing their masks only the minimal amount necessary to eat and drink. We strongly encourage you to bring your own mask while at CCD, but a small number of masks will also be available at the venue.

  • The ACL strongly encourages attendees to be cautious with masking in indoor space outside the conference venue (e.g., on public transit or while eating away from the venue) to avoid bringing COVID to the venue.

  • Room capacity at CCD in most cases is likely to exceed the number of attendees: we encourage the use of seats to optimise social distancing.

  • If you start to feel ill or test positive during the conference, please leave CCD immediately, and do not come to the CCD anymore.

  • Regular handwashing is strongly encouraged and there are also hand sanitising stations around the CCD.

  • CCD is a large space and ACL has exclusive access to the entire venue: to avoid crowded situations, we recommend making optimal use of the available spaces, particularly during coffee breaks.

  • Speakers and session chairs are not required to wear masks while presenting, as there is enough distance between speakers and audience.

  • A small number of masks and lateral flow device tests are available at the registration desk, but please be prepared and bring your own to Dublin.

 

We come from different countries and different personal experiences about COVID-19, and for many of us ACL 2022 is the first hybrid conference after the peaks of the pandemic.  In order to favour interpersonal relations, we will use a “traffic light system” with stickers to attach to your badge to indicate your feelings on social distancing:

  • Red: keep a distance

  • Amber: being cautious, no touching

  • Green: handshakes and hugs ok

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Plan ahead to return home

Please ensure you know the COVID-19 testing requirements for return travel back into your country of origin.  The requirements are available on your Government website.

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If you need a PCR test to travel home, you can book one here: https://certior.com/locations/?location=gosafe-ormond-quay

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