The Festival of Genomics & Biodata

Covid-19 Guidance

Masking Requirements

The masking requirements for The Festival of Genomics & Biodata will remain consistent with the state guidance in place at the time of the event.

Currently, masking is not mandatory and is down to personal choice . However, Front Line Genomics reserves the right to require masks regardless of local state guidance. If face coverings are required, attendees will be required to wear a covering over both their nose and mouth unless eating or drinking.


Venue Precautions

The Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC) has been open throughout the pandemic. It has numerous entrances and exits, allowing for clear and distinct social distancing, segmenting of events, and many options for overflow space. Most entrances and exits are substantially distant from each other to further minimize busy zones.

The BCEC can improve airflow using its robust HVAC system capabilities. For example, at the BCEC, there are over 25 dedicated “twin” air handler units that can move millions of cubic feet of air per hour.

The BCEC is committed to following the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) for HVAC usage, including:

  • Increasing air exchanges to maximum mechanical capabilities
  • Maximizing outside air supply through units
  • Increasing exhaust air to the atmosphere
  • Utilizing the highest rated Merv Factor Filter
  • Extending hours of operations to garner increased volumes

The BCEC is adhering to cleaning guidelines set forth by the CDC and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. There is the latest in cleaning technology including electro-static sprayers and EPA-certified, hospital-grade disinfectants that disinfect surfaces in 60 seconds.


Registration

We will adopt a contactless registration system at The Festival of Genomics & Biodata.


Symptom Monitoring

We ask that attendees do not come to the event if they feel at all unwell. Do not leave home if you or someone you live with has any Covid-19 symptoms.

If an attendee experiences any symptom of COVID-19 during the Festival, the attendee agrees to leave the Festival and make it known to Front Line Genomics that they have experienced a symptom. Readmittance will only be granted following proof of a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken after Front Line Genomics were notified of any symptoms experienced.


Personal Hygiene and Contact with Others

We recommend that attendees use enhanced hand hygiene measures while in attendance. This includes washing hands regularly, using provided hand sanitiser, limiting contact between your hands and your eyes, nose and mouth, covering coughs or sneezes, and limiting physical contact between attendees.

There are free-standing hand sanitising stations. Plus each floor also has a hand sanitizer wall mounted outside each stairwell.

All attendees will have their preferences for levels of acceptable contact and we encourage all attendees to be mindful of the wishes of others in this respect.