NSA Winter Conference – Update Regarding COVID-19
The National Sheriffs’ Association is committed to the health and safety of our exhibitors, sponsors, attendees and show staff. As we plan for the 2022 NSA Winter Conference, we’re taking proactive steps in response to the new Covid-19 variant, Omicron.
On December 22, 2021 Washington, D.C. issued a vaccination requirement for all patrons entering indoor facilities, including conference and hotel venues. NSA will follow all federal and local health guidelines and we ask that you stay tuned while we work with the venue and local officials on implementing the necessary protocols to host a safe, in-person conference.
The D.C. vaccination requirement is slated to go into effect on January 15, 2022 and currently does not have an expiration date. You can learn more about VaxDC here. To read the full mandate click here.
The mandate is requiring at least one Covid-19 vaccine dose for ages 12+ and will be required for entry into restaurants and bars, nightclubs, coffee shops, live entertainment and sporting venues, movie theatres, fitness centers and indoor event and meeting establishments. For proof of vaccination, patrons must provide a CDC issued vaccination card (original, photocopy or digital copy/photo), a record of immunization from a healthcare provider or public health authority or a Covid-19 verification app (e.g., VaxYes, Clear, Excelsior, MyIR). Establishments also need to verify vaccination with photo identification for patrons ages 18+, such as state issued driver’s license, DC One Card, student ID or any other state issued identification card or passport.
There are limited exemptions from the DC vaccination mandate, including for patrons who are medically exempt or unable to take the vaccine out of a sincerely held religious belief. Such exemptions require documentation of a medical exemption (such as a note from a medical provider) or documentation of a religious exemption (such as attestation from the patron that they have a sincerely held religious belief that precludes them from getting the vaccination). Patrons who have and show documentation of a medical or religious exemption from the Covid-19 vaccine must provide a negative PCR or antigen test within the last 24 hours in order to enter covered establishments.
In addition to the upcoming vaccine mandate, Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser reinstated the mask mandate in indoor public spaces on December 21, 2021. The current mask mandate is in place until January 31, 2022, however this mandate could be extended or amended by Mayor Bowser at any time.
We’ll continue updating our show policy plan according to ongoing public safety announcements made by the District of Columbia and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). All pertinent information will be relayed via our website, social media channels, email messaging and additional channels.
At this time the neighboring areas of Arlington and Alexandria, Virginia do not have a city/county-wide mask or vaccine mandate and the decision is left solely to each business. However, transportation options such as the Metro and Lyft/Uber are requiring masks worn while inside the vehicle.
The National Sheriffs’ Association currently has no plan to cancel or postpone the 2022 Winter Conference. We remain committed to providing you a great conference experience with multiple seminars to select from, interest-based committee meetings, exhibiting companies, and other great networking opportunities. With the direction of the Executive Committee, NSA will not be issuing refunds at this time for those who wish to not partake in the 2022 Winter Conference solely based on the mandates in place by the city of Washington, D.C.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the 2022 Winter Conference please email Erin Lyons, Director of Meetings, Marketing and Member Engagement at elyons@sheriffs.org.
