Facing Race: A National Conference in St. Louis, MO — November 20-22, 2024

COVID-19 Policy

Race Forward, together with our community, aims to establish environments that cater to the accessibility needs of as many members as possible. Your role in this is crucial. Our dedication involves prioritizing the care of the most marginalized individuals within our communities, applying principles of disability justice, and remaining adaptable to evolving circumstances.

As we prepare to gather for the Facing Race Conference, your health and safety remain our utmost priority. In alignment with current CDC guidelines and recommendations, we have implemented the following COVID policy for the conference:

  1. Masking: All conference attendees are encouraged to wear masks throughout the event, regardless of vaccination status. Masks should be worn properly, except when eating or drinking in designated areas. High-quality KN-95 masks will be provided at registration, free of charge.

    • At the request of facilitators, specific sessions will be designated as Mask Required.
  2. Vaccination: While proof of immunization is not required for attendance, we strongly encourage all conference participants to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Vaccination remains one of the most effective measures in preventing the spread of the virus and other seasonal illnesses such as the flu and RSV. Please visit the CDC website for current recommendations and the booster schedule.

  3. Testing: Upon registration check-in, all attendees and guests must provide evidence of a negative at-home antigen test, no more than 48 hours in advance. We understand that circumstances can change, and testing protocols may be adjusted according to national, state, and local health guidelines. We encourage testing daily before you join our shared spaces. Complimentary take-home testing kits will be accessible at the registration area.

  4. Symptoms: If you exhibit symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, or any other listed symptoms, we kindly ask that you avoid attending the conference. We recognize that health situations can evolve, and in such instances, we will reimburse your registration fees per Facing Race’s refund policy. To request a refund, please email us at facingrace@raceforward.org.

  5. Adherence to CDC Guidelines: We urge all participants to adhere to the latest CDC guidelines regarding COVID-19 prevention and safety measures. This includes practicing good hand hygiene, maintaining physical distance whenever possible, and staying informed about updates and recommendations from health authorities.

By collectively following these guidelines and measures, we can create a safer environment for everyone attending the Facing Race Conference. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we navigate these challenging times together. If you have any questions or concerns regarding our COVID policy, please don't hesitate to contact the Facing Race team at facingrace@raceforward.org.