Health & Safety*

*This page will be updated as COVID-19 policies evolve. This page was last updated on April 22, 2022.

2022 IEEE ICRA Health and Safety Hub

The health and safety of our conference attendees is our top priority. The 2022 IEEE ICRA conference Organizing Committee remains vigilant in monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic.

ICRA is planned as hybrid format with both onsite and virtual options.  We look forward to you joining us in Philadelphia, PA.  If you don't feel comfortable participating in large gatherings or if your organization has travel restrictions, we encourage you to join us virtually.

ICRA will be following all local guidelines and adhering to venue-specific standards in order to host the event safely and effectively. 

Masks are still strongly recommended in indoor public settings, to help reduce transmission and keep Philadelphia at a low risk level, but they are not mandated.

Before Leaving Home

  • Individuals who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, have tested positive for COVID-19, or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the prior 14 days are encouraged to attend virtually.
  • Be sure to monitor your home country/location's travel requirements to say current in the event of any restrictions or requirements that may prohibit your ability to travel.

Increased Sanitization and Hygiene

  • The Pennsylvania Convention Center will follow the best practices established in re-activation plan
  • Hand sanitizing products will be made available throughout the event space
  • Sanitizing wipes will be provided in every room for speaker use at the podium
  • Audio-visual equipment such as keyboards, laser pointer, and mics will be wiped down with sanitizer wipes between each session and at regular intervals throughout the day

What You Can Do to Help Onsite

  • Consider wearing a mask, however, masks are not required. Vaccinated or not, wearing a mask in indoor public space can help protect you and everyone else close to you.
  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Follow the World Health Organization’s (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) guidelines to prevent the spread of infectious diseases at the event
  • Discourage physical greetings like handshakes, high fives, fist or elbow bumps, and hugs
  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
  • Maintain social distancing between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth
  • If you have fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early

Local PCR Testing

If needed there are various local options for local PCR testing. Attendees will need to reach out and arrange appointments and testing themselves. While not a comprehensive list, the following are several options for testing:

MyDoc
1420 Locust Street
Philadelphia, PA

MyDoc
1008 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA

Vybe
1420 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA

Vybe
618 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA

Jefferson Health Testing Clinic at PHL International Airport
Pre-security area in Terminal E
Philadelphia, PA

Cancellation Policy

We encourage you to register for in-person attendance only after you have received travel authorization from your sponsor. Once you register, the conference anticipates your participation and incurs financial liabilities for your participation. If a change in your sponsoring organization’s travel policy necessitates cancellation after you have registered and paid, standard conference cancellation policies will apply.