Those attending MPI’s World Education Congress (WEC) Las Vegas who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 and who are not immunocompromised will not be required to wear a mask indoors during the event, the association announced Thursday.
Attendees who are unvaccinated or immunocompromised and those who are more comfortable wearing a mask are encouraged to do so, the association said.
The change in MPI’s duty of care comes following a survey of industry professionals registered to attend WEC, June 15-17 at CAEASARS FORUM, that gauged sentiment and comfort related to changes in U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) mask and social distancing guidance and updated protocols in Clark County, home to Las Vegas.
“As reopening guidelines continue to evolve, we are maintaining a safe experience while adjusting to attendees’ preferences,” said Annette Gregg, senior vice president of experience for MPI. “We are confident people will show personal accountability to continue to maintain a safe environment for all at WEC.”
MPI said it received 530 responses out of 864 WEC attendees surveyed.
“Based on CDC and Clark County Commission guidelines and the results of this survey, which proved that 89 percent were comfortable with MPI evolving its WEC Vegas Duty of Care to mirror those guidelines, wearing a mask indoors is not required, but those onsite who are unvaccinated or immunocompromised are expected to wear a mask,” MPI said, adding those individuals who feel more comfortable wearing a mask are encouraged to do so.
MPI said physical distancing of three feet when indoors will be accommodated throughout events and venues, where possible, including the use of plastic partitions, where appropriate. Masks and physical distancing will be relaxed for outdoor events during WEC.
Clark County implemented a revised mitigation plan on June 1 in accordance with CDC guidance on masks, which recommends that those who are not vaccinated continue wearing masks and follow social distancing and other precautions until fully vaccinated. The guidance also allows fully vaccinated people to stop wearing face coverings in crowds and in many indoor locations. Masks still must be worn in most public transportation.
MPI’s duty of care program for WEC Vegas has been amended as follows.
· Name badges, lanyards and masks will be mailed ahead of arrival.
· Onsite medical, in partnership with InHouse Physicians, S.C., will include daily temperature checks before entering the event.
· Hand sanitizer stations will be positioned throughout the meeting space.
· Responsible seating/barriers will be utilized in all F&B and meeting areas.
· Signage will reinforce spatial distancing and other safety reminders.
Learn more about WEC Vegas and MPI’s duty of care.
