Dear #BESLA42 Conference Attendee:

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As it pertains to the COVID-19 global pandemic, we are still facing a challenging situation in which we are called on to be flexible and to make decisions in the best interest of our neighbors and community. Because of such a dynamic landscape and similar to #BESLA41, BESLA is taking an enhanced health and safety measures intended to mitigate the risk of 2022 Annual Conference attendees' exposure to COVID-19. However, despite the protocols and requirements in place, no precautions can entirely eliminate the risk of exposure to COVID-19. Accordingly, we ask that you be mindful of assuming such risks when electing to register for and attend the upcoming Annual Conference.

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Although the current COVID-19 travel restrictions to enter Cancun, Mexico do not require vaccination or proof of a negative test, BESLA has decided to set a more protective policy for its conference.   Consequently, everyone in attendance at #BESLA42 (i.e., the Board, Conference attendees, panelists, guests, and in-person vendors) will be required to be (1) fully vaccinated and (2) provide evidence of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival to the Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun. 
 

• A person is considered "fully vaccinated" two weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson's Janssen vaccine. 

o Exceptions will be made solely for individuals who have proof of medical prohibitions, subject to such exempted individuals agreeing to adhere to our testing protocols Medically exempt individuals will be required to submit proof of a negative PCR COVID test that was taken within 72 hours prior to their arrival at the Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun and will be obligated to continue to test during the conference on a cadence to be determined by BESLA.

• Acceptable proof of vaccination includes a copy of a CDC vaccination card, an official immunization record (including one from the attendee’s health care provider), or an image of a digital vaccine card from a state created vaccine passport app (e.g., New York Excelsior App).  

• Only PCR tests will be accepted. 
   

Participants must upload proof of vaccination and proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival to the host resort to BESLA’s portal found at the following location: https://www.besla.org/covid-19-upload-form. Please upload the proof of vaccination/medical waiver as soon as possible, but no later than 11:59 p.m. EST on Monday, November 28, 2022 in order to give BESLA ample time to update individual registration records. Registrants can then go back to the same portal in order to upload their proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival.  

Participants will not be given their BESLA registration packets on site (containing the official event wristband) without having met the aforementioned requirements. In an effort to ensure compliance with our health & safety protocols, individuals will be required to show their official event wristband in order to gain admission to BESLA events; this will be strictly enforced.    

Additionally, all attendees will be encouraged required to wear masks or face coverings properly at all BESLA events. Please note that the Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun does require mandatory vaccination of its staff.

Finally, attendees assume the risk of interacting with everyone at the Hyatt Ziva Riviera and the local population (if an attendee chooses to leave the property). In the event that you elect to leave the hotel property, we ask that you take reasonable precautions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, including, without limitation, wearing your masks, social distancing, and routinely washing your hands. Traveling to and from Cancun, Mexico and providing services in and around the Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun may lead to a risk of exposure to COVID-19. Consequently, everyone will be asked to sign a waiver releasing various parties from any associated risks.

Finally, please note that BESLA may update this policy as more information becomes available about this global pandemic. We encourage you to  visit the CDC International Travel During COVID-19 website for up-to-date travel information and stay abreast of the happenings in Cancun, Mexico. 

We look forward to seeing you next month. Safe travels!

BESLA Board of Directors