Masks will be required of all attendees in all areas of the conference and for all activities associated with the conference that are taking place indoors. The LOC has made this decision based on risk assessment tools from Federal and Provincial governments who strongly recommend masks in all indoor settings where people congregate. We are also following the examples of all the NS universities who require masks in all campus buildings, and the Provincial requirement for masks in all schools and most government settings. We have a very diverse community who will be attending the Halifax 2022 conference, and we want everyone to be as safe as possible. We are requiring masks to help protect the most vulnerable among us, and to protect our families and communities which include many too young to be vaccinated, and many who at high risk of complications from infections. We understand that masks are not a perfect tool and that we cannot prevent all exposures, but masking is one important part of keeping everyone as safe as possible and works alongside vaccinations, ventilation, distancing, and hand hygiene.

For workshops at universities masks are required in all campus buildings. For social events masks can be removed only while actively eating or drinking. For field trips masks should be worn in indoor settings or as directed by field trip leaders. We encourage all participants to obtain rapid antigen tests before coming to Halifax and to test themselves before, during, and after the conference.

• Masks are required in all areas of the HCC for all activities related to the conference. 

• In settings where food is served masks can be removed only while actively eating or drinking. 
• Speakers may remove masks when presenting in sessions, provided there is at least 2 m distance between them and the audience

All delegates are expected to adhere to this policy, as well as the GAC Code of Conduct for events and the GAC Code of Ethics. 

The conference, field trips, and short courses/workshops will follow all Provincial Public Health advice directives that are in place at the time of the conference, as well as any additional restrictions imposed by any location used during the conference including the Halifax Convention Center, any event venues (e.g. universities or hotels), or sites visited during trips.

Rapid antigen tests can be obtained in Halifax at the Central Library on Spring Garden Road https://www.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/locations/sga/

Cancellation Policies

• We will follow any Public Health directives in force at the time of the conference.
• If Provincial directives limit gathering sizes or events we will adjust the format of the conference by working with the Halifax Convention Center to follow any directives.
• Any presentation mode chosen during abstract submission can be switched by editing your abstract submission form until March 1st, 2022. This does not affect your abstract fee. This does not automatically switch your registration type if you have already registered, you will have to do that in a separate transaction. 
• Registration can be cancelled before March 31, 2022 for a full refund. 
• Registration can be switched from in-person to virtual attendance before March 31st, 2022 with the difference refunded. 
• Registration can be changed from virtual to in-person before March 31st, 2022 but the difference in registration fees will need to be paid at that time. 
• After March 31^st, 2022 no refunds can be provided. 
• If unforeseen circumstances arise, please contact us directly.