Despite the Precautions

We continue to hear from people that have contracted COVID after attending the NABJ/NAHJ convention in Las Vegas last week.

A number of people have reached out to FTVLive, confirming that they have COVID and many of those people know of others that have the rona that attended the convention.

I will say that NABJ/NAHJ did take a number of precautions to try and keep people safe. But, when you have that many people traveling and attending a large gathering, outbreaks are bound to happen.

NABJ did send an email out to those that attended the convention to discuss the outbreak.

FTVLive obtained a copy of the email:

Dear NABJ-NAHJ Attendees,

 We are reaching out to make sure you're being conscious of your health as you return to work. 

 As we shared in a previous statement here [r20.rs6.net], we were aware of two positive cases before the end of the convention. As our members return home, we are hearing of a few more cases. As recommended by the CDC, if you test positive, please contact your local health department. Learn more about contacting health departments here [r20.rs6.net].

 Because of COVID-19 concerns, we required attendees to verify their vaccination status through the CLEAR app in order to register for the convention. In addition, masks were mandatory. We appreciate those who complied after gentle reminders from security, NABJ staff and conference attendees. We also encouraged registrants who felt sick to stay home, and we offered the option of a full refund if they had COVID-19 concerns and changed their minds before the conference. 

 Because hotels, casinos, public transportation, and entertainment venues don't require masks, the risk of COVID-19 exposure was beyond our conference's control. Therefore, we encourage all of our stakeholders to self-test (learn how here [r20.rs6.net]) and follow prescribed medical advice if they develop symptoms. Please refer to CDC guidelines here [r20.rs6.net]. 

 -NABJ

There is no doubt that both NABJ and NAHJ took measures to try and keep people safe. But, we are still in a pandemic and I’m not sure that any large indoor gathering, especially where people are traveling from across the country is not going to experience an outbreak.

Hopefully, by the time the conventions roll around next year, we will be passed this.

I know that I look forward to going to the conventions again.