ASTA is excited for the opportunity to see our members in person again! A virtual-only registration option is also provided at a lower cost.

ASTA is carefully monitoring developments related to COVID-19 as it pertains to regulations, guidelines and event logistics to ensure the health and safety of our event participants. Our conference is designed for maximum COVID-19 safety, while maintaining the opportunity to network with other participants. Our meetings staff is Pandemic Compliance Advisor certified and we take our Duty of Care seriously. Our host hotel, the Manchester Grand Hyatt, is a GBAC-STAR certified facility, ready to provide a safe and enjoyable event for ASTA participants.

As of November 2021, the CDC has announced that foreign travelers will be permitted to travel to the U.S. with proof of having been vaccinated with one of  the FDA- or WHO-approved coronavirus vaccines. The FDA has authorized three COVID-19 vaccines for emergency use during  the pandemic: Moderna, Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer-BioNTech. The WHO has granted approval for those three as well as the Oxford-AstraZeneca/Covishield, Sinopharm and Sinovac vaccines.

On December 31, 2021, California redefined an indoor "mega event" to an event consisting of 500 people or more (versus its prior definition of 1,000 people or more). This  new definition imposes specific requirements on our conference. All participants are required to show proof of full vaccination against the coronavirus OR a negative antigen test within one day or negative PCR test within two days of arrival in order to gain access to our event area. Additionally, all participants must show a photo ID in order to verify that vaccination/testing proof matches your personal identification. Additionally, masks are required throughout our event.

As of January 5, 2022, California has now extended its state-wide indoor mask mandate, which now expires Feb.15. ASTA will require the use of masks within our convention space. Please refer to the CDC website guidance for additional information on international travel and domestic travel for vaccination and testing requirements, to which our event complies.

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WHAT TO EXPECT ON-SITE

We have taken steps to ensure that CDC guidelines will be followed for all participants' health and safety, including the following:

• Masks will be required to be worn at the event. The State of California requires masks to be worn indoors throughout the state until at least Feb. 15, 2022. ASTA will comply with local government and CDC guidelines in order to ensure the safety of all participants. 
• For nearby COVID-19 testing (see also San Diego Airport information below): San Diego Site COVID Clinic, 1350 Third Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
  • Same Day Testing and Rapid Results: https://www.covidclinic.org/testing-sites/
  • Hours: Mon-Fri 6am-10pm, Sat 6am-8pm, Sun 8am-4pm
• Hand sanitizer will be provided.
• Meeting space will be planned to facilitate social distancing and food service will be planned for maximum safety.
• ASTA will offer full cancellation with refund should you or your close contacts become ill or have exposure to COVID-19.
• Options for virtual participation are also offered.
• If you should need medical care during the conference,  here is some additional information about nearby health facilities and COVID testing: https://www.covidclinic.org/san-diego/
  
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BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME

• Check your country's current international travel rules for travel to the U.S., many of which require advance testing, proof of vaccination, a quarantine period and/or a second test upon arrival to the U.S. Please refer to the CDC website guidance for additional information on international travel and domestic travel for vaccination and testing requirements, to which our event complies.
• The San Diego International Airport is only 10 minutes from our headquarter hotel and offers its own testing services for international travelers (appointment required). Visit their site for more information: https://www.san.org/gosafely 
• Do not come to the conference in person if you are ill or if you have had a known exposure to someone who has tested positive for the coronavirus. You may want to visit the CDC Self-Checker, an online tool that will walk you through a series of questions about possible COVID-19 symptom questions and next steps.
• If possible, please bring your proof of vaccination card with you to the conference.
• If you are not vaccinated, there is a free resource to complete a cost-free, at-home COVID test prior to your departure to the conference. You can request yours here. At home COVID tests are also now available for purchase in local pharmacies. 
• Review the most current health and travel guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO).
• Be aware of all current travel restrictions and guidance. Many states and jurisdictions have travel guidelines that are subject to change at any time.
• Again, if you are not feeling well or have a known exposure for someone who is positive for the coronavirus, please stay home in order to help keep everyone safe.