2020 CGU CIG Mantle and Lithosphere Dynamics Workshop
11 March 2020: Update from CGU
BACKGROUND
Organizers of the 2020 Meeting of the Canadian Geophysical Union are continuing to monitor ongoing developments of travel advisories and event gathering guidelines that pertain to limiting the potential transmission of COVID-19 in Canada and Alberta. The safety of attendees and CGU members is our highest priority. We are hopeful that the virus will continue to be contained over the next two months. Currently, the meeting is continuing in accord with its original schedule. Any developments affecting organization of the meeting or convening of the sessions will be posted on this site immediately. Both the CGU membership and abstract submitters will be emailed as well.
WHAT WOULD BE THE EFFECT ON REGISTRATION PAYMENTS FOR CANCELLATION?
To help facilitate travel planning, we are also moving our "early bird" registration rate to a cut-off date much closer to the start of the conference. As well, our travel partner, WestJet, announced today that they will allow all WestJet passengers to make changes without financial penalty through a certain time period.
A processing fee will be charged for all registration cancellations according to the regularly posted cancellation charge. Should it become necessary to cancel the conference due to national or provincial travel or gathering restrictions, the CGU will refund registration costs at the same rate as cancellation by the attendee. An official statement of this measure will be supplied to registrants.
After April 30th, no refunds will be made. Note that cancelling meeting registration does not cancel hotel reservations; attendees will be responsible for cancelling directly with hotels.
ON SITE, THE BANFF PARK LODGE WILL FURTHER ENHANCE ITS STANDARDS FOR MAINTAINING A HYGIENIC MEETING PLACE THROUGH THE FOLLOWING MEASURES:
Adding extra sanitization steps to all ʽtouch pointsʼ in the hotel public areas & guest rooms. These include (for example but not limited to) phones, door handles, light switches, doors.
Ensuring hand sanitizer is readily available throughout the hotel and adding extra stations for guests. Actioning extra sanitization stations in all working areas for staff.
Informing and training hotel staff in all areas regarding precautionary measures that can limit virus transmission.
As the situation changes, the Canadian Geophysical Union will continue to communicate with its attendees to keep them informed.
WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT COVID-19?
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has assessed the public health risk associated with COVID-19 as LOW for Canada. Public health risk is continually reassessed as new information becomes available.
Please consult the Government of Canada information page for current advice and situation updates (https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html). If you are travelling to CGU 2020 from outside Canada, we recommend you also monitor travel advice from your national public health authorities.