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John R. Fischer, Senior Reporter | August 16, 2021
RSNA will require attendees to prove they have been vaccinated and to wear masks indoors when attending its annual meeting in-person this year
Radiology stakeholders who are unvaccinated against COVID-19 may find themselves attending the industry's biggest annual meeting from the comfort of their homes. A new statement from the Radiological Society of North America stipulates that all in-person attendees must have proof of vaccination and wear a mask indoors at McCormick Place throughout the event.
The meeting, which runs from November 28 to December 2, will be conducted in accordance with these policies as well as CDC, state and local recommendations for social distancing.
"We are currently exploring various testing options and will provide details at a later time," RSNA's Executive Director, Mark G. Watson told HCB News. He added that "sanitizing stations are located throughout the facility" and that the association will "adjust health and safety protocols as needed."
For its part, McCormick Place will enhance its air quality and clearing procedures. Like last year, the show's virtual component will include on-demand content available through April 30, 2022.
RSNA announced its decision in May to
hold this year's meeting in person after cancelling in-person attendance last year and
going completely virtual due to the pandemic.
The decision
cost the organization $30 million in cancellation losses, which a judge ruled against it recouping in June, due to the association's policy agreement precluding coverage for communicable diseases, including COVID-19.
The organization’s vaccine and mask mandates come on the heels of the annual meeting for AHRA: The Association for Medical Imaging Management, which contacted in-person attendees after the show to notify them of attendees who tested positive for COVID-19.
“While some of those individuals who tested positive have notified people with whom they had extended contact, this notice is to ensure that all attendees are made aware of the positive cases," the AHRA wrote in an email shared with HCB News. "Therefore, please monitor your health and follow local and employer recommendations and guidelines regarding testing."
