Updated 9/28/21
Health and Safety at GPC 2021
Your health and safety are important to us. GMIC, working in partnership with the GPC 2021 venues, are complying with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and relevant state and local authorities in an effort to provide a safe and healthy environment for GPC 2021 attendees during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
However, COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease and it is not possible to eliminate the risk of spreading or contracting COVID-19. An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present, and efforts to mitigate the risk of exposure to COVID-19 may not be sufficient to prevent spreading or contracting COVID-19.
Click here to view GMIC’s official COVID-19 statement and to read GMIC’s COVID-19 Release & Hold Harmless Agreement. All GPC 2021 participants have to acknowledge and agree to the COVID-19 Release and Hold Harmless agreement.
GMIC asks you NOT attend GPC 2021 if any of the following apply:
- If you have received a positive COVID-19 test within 14 days of GPC 2021.
- If you have experienced symptoms of COVID-19 within 14 days of GPC 2021. COVID-19 symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, and loss of taste or smell.
- If you have been directed by Public Health to self-isolate within 14 days of GPC 2021.
- If you have knowingly come into contact with a confirmed or suspected COVID-19 case within14 days of GPC 2021.
- If you are currently caring for a family member or any person who is sick or exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms or have cared for anyone who is sick or exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms within 14 days of GPC 2021.
PROTECTING OUR GPC 2021 PARTICIPANTS
COVID-19 Resources for GPC 2021:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
World Health Organization (WHO)
City of Columbus Public Health
Here is what the GPC 2021 safety experience will look like:
- Reduced contact registration
- Hand sanitizer stations throughout the Greater Columbus Convention Center and Hilton Columbus
- Socially distanced and reduced capacity in meeting rooms
- Multiple coffee station areas to encourage social distancing
- Health and safety signage throughout GPC meeting venues
Proof of Vaccination at GPC 2021:
GMIC does not require individuals to show proof of vaccination to register and attend GPC 2021.
Mask Wearing at GPC 2021:
On September 8th, 2021, Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther announced a mask order to require masks for all publicly accessible indoor spaces in Columbus, regardless of an individual’s vaccination status. The mandate was included in an executive order signed by Mayor Andrew Ginther taking effect on Friday, September 10th, 2021.
GMIC, working in partnership with the GPC 2021 venues, are complying with all Federal, State and Local mandates in an effort to provide a safe and healthy environment for GPC 2021 attendees during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
GMIC will require all individuals to wear face masks during GPC 2021, regardless of an individual’s vaccination status, at this time to comply with the new mask order declared by Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther.
Social Distancing at GPC 2021:
The GMIC planning team is working together to build the GPC program where social distancing is encouraged.
- Socially distanced technical session room set
- Multiple coffee break stations
GMIC encourages participants to maintain a safe distance from another to each person’s own comfort level.
Cleaning and Sanitization at GPC 2021:
Each of GMIC’s partner venues Safety and Cleaning Protocols unique to their properties can be viewed below:
Greater Columbus Convention Center VenueShield®
GBAC STAR™ Accreditation:
The Global Biorisk Advisory Council’s (GBAC) STAR Accreditation is the cleaning industry’s only outbreak prevention, response, and recovery accreditation for facilities. Currently accredited in the city of Columbus:
- John Glenn Columbus International Airport
- Greater Columbus Convention Center
- Hilton Columbus Downtown
COVID-19 Local Columbus Testing Sites:
- Southeast Healthcare
614-360-0160
- Equitas Health
614-340-6700
- Columbus Public Health (testing provided by Mount Carmel, OhioHealth and The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center)
614-645-1519
For more info visit: Essential Considerations for Safely Operating GPC 2021