Health and Safety FAQs
What health precautions is The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory Kossiakoff Conference Center taking?
JHU APL’s Kossiakoff Conference Center is committed to the safety of all its guests and will be following all requirements of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Currently, JHU APL is requiring mandatory mask usage for all staff and guests, regardless of vaccine status. JHU APL is also requiring all PSTS-21 attendees, exhibitors, speakers, meeting vendors, and NDIA staff participating in the event must complete a vaccination attestation form to participate. “Fully vaccinated” means that an individual has received the second dose of a two-dose vaccine series (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca-SK Bio) or a single-dose vaccine from Johnson & Johnson/Janssen at least two weeks prior to the event. Only the vaccines noted above, which have been approved by the World Health Organization (WHO), shall be acceptable to meet full vaccination requirement.
What requirements are in place for visitors to JHU APL’s Kossiakoff Conference Center?
For the latest guidance from JHU APL, visitors should follow the guidance set forth in the document found here.
What precautions is the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) taking?
For the latest COVID-19 updates from BWI, please click here.
What precautions is the Reagan National Airport (DCA) taking?
For the latest COVID-19 updates from DCA, please click here.
What precautions is the Dulles National Airport (IAD) taking?
For the latest COVID-19 updates from IAD, please click here.
What is the latest travel status for traveling to Washington, DC?
For the latest COVID-19 updates for traveling to Washington, DC, please click here.
What additional precautions are Uber and Lyft taking?
For the door-to-door safety standards for Uber, please click here.
For the latest updates on Lyft’s safety policies, please click here.
Will NDIA require attendees to sign a conference waiver to attend the symposium?
Yes, all registrants are required to sign the COVID-19 waiver during the registration process.
What is NDIA's mask policy?
NDIA follows CDC and state guidelines. Currently, in the city of Laurel, Maryland, masks are required indoors regardless of vaccination status. Fully vaccinated attendees will be able to indicate vaccination status. NDIA will have a limited supply of face masks available but recommend bringing your own for comfort and convenience. Attendees should keep their masks conservative, professional, and in keeping with dignity and respect. Face coverings with demeaning or derogatory logos, profanity, offensive script or imagery, or political dissent are not authorized. NDIA staff will wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment.
Will social distancing be implemented?
NDIA is planning additional venue space to allow for attendees to spread out and reduce crowding. Please restrain from handshakes and embracing as an extra precaution as well as following CDC’s guidelines. Consider using digital alternatives to share contact information. Ample hand sanitizer stations will be available; please wash your hands often, cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or elbow, and stay home if you are sick.
How will meeting rooms be set up?
Attendees can expect general seating at a variety of distances to accommodate attendee comfort levels with one entrance and one exit to each room, as well as increased cleaning protocols.
When can I pick up my conference badge?
Registration badges will be distributed utilizing pick-up time slots or other means to effectively limit crowds during the designated registration hours. Clearly marked lines with social distancing decals will also be set up to direct one-way traffic flow.
How will food be served?
Food and beverages will be safely packaged or distributed for minimal contact. Seating will be at a variety of distances to accommodate attendees comfort levels and outside when possible. Grab and go food selections will be available. NDIA has implemented pre-packaged food options to minimize touch points.
Will a live streaming be available?
As this event is classified, live streaming will not be available.
Note: This is subject to change as guidelines are updated. This was last updated 9/10/2021.