COVID-19

COVID-19 VACCINATION POLICY
In line with the Tasmanian government border entry requirements, all MS Australia Progress in MS Research Scientific Conference attendees must be up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations. You can learn more about the Tasmanian government policy here.
 

WHAT HAPPENS IF THE CONFERENCE IS CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19?
Should the conference be impacted by COVID-19, MS Australia intends to reschedule the event. Delegates will be notified immediately if this occurs and will be offered to assign their conference registration fees to the new conference dates unless a refund is requested.

We encourage you to read and understand your travel and accommodation terms, conditions and cancellation policies prior to making bookings.


WHAT IF YOU CAN NO LONGER ATTEND THE CONFERENCE AS YOU’RE COVID-19 POSITIVE, ISOLATING OR UNWELL?
Should you need to cancel your conference registration because you are COVID-19 positive, isolating or are unwell please contact the conference secretariat immediately. Your registration will be put into credit for you to use at the next conference.


TRAVEL TO TASMANIA
Please ensure you are informed regarding Tasmania’s border entry conditions, click here to view current advice and requirements. 

IS THE CONFERENCE COVID-19 COMPLIANT?
The Tasmanian Government has launched A Framework for COVID-19 Safe Events and Activities in Tasmania to help event organisers to identify and manage the risk of COVID-19 for a range of event and activity types in a diverse range of settings. It sets out the process for working with government to deliver a COVID-19 safe event under the current Public Health Directions.

The MS Australia Progress in MS Research Scientific Conference is recognised as a 'Small gathering, outside the Events Framework'. No application or approval is required under the Events Framework, we will comply with all federal, state and Tasmanian Safework COVID-19 practices, guidelines and regulations including density and physical distancing requirements.

Download the Eventful Projects (event organiser) COVID-19 safe guidelines, which focus on resources and protocols that improve safety. The guideline is consistent with the Australian Government Department of Health regulations and highlights procedures adhering to strict physical distancing measures, increased cleaning and hygiene practices, food service safety and additional attendee communications. 


WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
COVID-19 is an illness caused by a new virus. A vaccine is scheduled for roll-out but there is no cure yet. Click here to find out about the disease, how it spreads, who is at risk, what to do if you think you have it, and what resources and support are available to you.


WHAT TO DO IF YOU FEEL UNWELL
If you are unwell, we ask that you please do not attend the conference.

Should you feel unwell at any time whilst at the conference, please notify the event manager, Vicky Troptsidis on 0422 053 013 immediately. You will be escorted to an insolation room for further assessment and the authorities notified for reporting and further instructions. All event contact areas will be cleaned as per venue and government guidelines and regulations to ensure a COVID-19 safe event. Contact tracing protocols will be activated.

Symptoms of COVID-19 can range from mild illness to pneumonia. Some people will recover easily, and others may get very sick very quickly. People with coronavirus may experience symptoms such as:

• Fever
• Respiratory symptoms such as
   ~ coughing
   ~ sore throat
   ~ shortness of breath

Other symptoms can include runny nose, headache, muscle or joint pains, nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, loss of sense of smell, altered sense of taste, loss of appetite and fatigue.

To stop the spread of COVID-19 people with even mild symptoms of respiratory infection should get tested.

If you need to cancel your conference registration because you are COVID-19 positive, isolating or are unwell please contact the conference secretariat immediately. Your registration will be put into credit for you to use at the next conference.

CONTACT TRACING
Your conference registration will be used as official contact tracing data. It is imperative that you complete your conference registration accurately. Should we need to clarify or obtain additional information the conference secretariat will contact you. Please provide the necessary information to ensure the conference remains compliant with all federal, state and Tasmanian Safework COVID-19 practices, guidelines and regulations.


HYGIENE
As part of our commitment to attendee health and safety we will ensure that adequate hand sanitiser is available at the conference. We understand that attendees may wish to practice additional hygiene protocols or wear PPE such as a facial mask, this is fine, please supply your own.

We remind all attendees to continue to practice good hygiene at all times.


SOCIAL DISTANCING
One way to slow the spread of viruses, such as coronavirus, is physical distancing. The more space between you and others, the harder it is for the virus to spread. It is everyone continues to stay 1.5 metres away from others wherever possible.

Physical distancing in public means people:

• Keep 1.5 metres away from others wherever possible
• Avoid physical greetings such as handshaking, hugs and kisses
• Practice extra care if you are using public transport - read the guidelines
• Avoid crowds - if you see a crowded space do not enter
• Avoid large public gatherings
• Practice good hygiene
• Stay at home if you have any cold or flu symptoms. Seek medical advice and get tested for COVID-19

See important information on restrictions on public gatherings.

See requirements in your state or territory.


CONTACTLESS ONSITE REGISTRATION
To comply with all federal, state and Tasmanian Safework COVID-19 practices, guidelines and regulations, onsite conference registration will have reduced physical contact. On arrival you will be greeted by socially distanced event staff and instructed to find and retrieve your own name badge.


POSTER DISPLAYS
If you have a poster display, when you collect your name badge, your poster board identification number will be noted on your badge and a pack of single use pins/velcro available for your use. Socially distanced event staff will be available to assist you in finding your allocated board and displaying your poster.


SPEAKERS
Prior to the conference all speakers will receive communication regarding an on-site briefing to meet with their session chair, audio visual technician and to familiarise themselves with the room, audio-visual equipment and COVID-19 compliance. If you have not provided your presentation or you need to submit an updated version of your presentation, please do so at your nominated briefing time.

Speaker rehearsal allocations are available each day prior to the conference commencing, during morning/afternoon tea breaks and at lunch. If you would like to confirm a rehearsal allocation, please contact the conference secretariat prior to the conference to arrange.

All speakers should present themselves to the conference secretariat on arrival to collect their conference credentials.

Socially distant event staff and AV technicians are available to assist you.

Audio visual equipment i.e. lectern, microphones, presentation clickers etc. will be sanitised before/after each use. We ask speakers to please be patient and respectful of this process to ensure we remain COVID-19 compliant.


FOOD AND BEVERAGE
Service of all food and beverages during the conference will be undertaken in line with Tasmanian Safework practices, relevant federal and Tasmanian regulations and legislations. We remind attendees that conference catering and it’s service may be different to previous conferences and this is to ensure our compliance for a COVID-19 safe event.