September 7, 2022

Dear fellow ASOR members,

We write with an update on COVID protocols for our upcoming Annual Meeting in Boston. The well-being of our members during the ongoing pandemic remains our utmost concern, but we also recognize that the health situation and guidance from health authorities has changed. Thus, for the reasons outlined below, we currently do not plan to have a vaccination requirement. We do plan to require masking in conference venues (except when presenting, responding, or actively eating or drinking).

First some background… As you know, last year we required proof of vaccination for attendance and enforced a strict mask requirement in public spaces except where eating and drinking were taking place. These policies complied with recommendations from federal health agencies and city of Chicago requirements. They were also in line with requirements for air travel and entry into the United States. Today, both the city of Boston’s proof of vaccination policy and indoor masking mandates have been lifted. The proof of vaccination requirement for entry into the US has also been lifted. The loosening of vaccination requirements follows the recognition that vaccinations do not prevent the spread of the current dominant COVID variants the same way they did in November 2021 (during last year’s meeting). While masking helps with transmission, masking requirements vary across venues and jurisdictions.

Considering all this, ASOR has decided to drop the proof of vaccination requirement, while strongly advising and encouraging vaccination. All ASOR staff will be vaccinated. We also note that this decision is in line with some (but not all) other societies and organizations.

At the same time, we have decided to maintain a masking policy out of respect for and in consideration of those in the ASOR family who are immunocompromised, who have other health concerns, or who live with those with these concerns. ASOR acknowledges that this masking policy is stricter than CDC or local regulations, and we have received assurances from the Boston Park Plaza that they will comply with this policy in our meeting spaces and venues. We cannot control masking for our attendees or others outside the meeting and exhibit venues.

All of us at ASOR look forward to seeing you in November.

Respectfully,

Sharon Herbert and Andy Vaughn