The National Sheriffs’ Association is committed to the health and safety of our exhibitors, sponsors, attendees and show staff. As we plan for the 2022 NSA Winter Conference, we’re taking proactive steps in response to the new Covid-19 variant, Omicron.
On December 22, 2021, Washington, D.C. issued a vaccination requirement for all patrons entering indoor facilities, including conference and hotel venues. NSA will follow all federal and local health guidelines and we ask that you stay tuned while we work with the venue and local officials on implementing the necessary protocols to host a safe, in-person conference.
The D.C. vaccination requirement is slated to go into effect on January 15, 2022, and currently does not have an expiration date. You can learn more about VaxDC here. To read the full vaccine mandate, click here.
The mandate is requiring at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose for ages 12+ and will be required for entry into restaurants and bars, nightclubs, coffee shops, live entertainment and sporting venues, movie theatres, fitness centers and indoor event and meeting establishments. For proof of vaccination, patrons must provide a CDC issued vaccination card (original, photocopy or digital copy/photo), a record of immunization from a healthcare provider or public health authority or a COVID-19 verification app (e.g., VaxYes, Clear, Excelsior, MyIR). Establishments also need to verify vaccination with photo identification for patrons ages 18+, such as state issued driver’s license, DC One Card, student ID or any other state issued identification card or passport.
There are limited exemptions from the DC vaccination mandate, including for patrons who are medically exempt or unable to take the vaccine out of a sincerely held religious belief. Such exemptions require documentation of a medical exemption (such as a note from a medical provider) or documentation of a religious exemption (such as attestation from the patron that they have a sincerely held religious belief that precludes them from getting the vaccination). Patrons who have and show documentation of a medical or religious exemption from the COVID-19 vaccine must provide a negative PCR or antigen test within the last 24 hours in order to enter covered establishments.
In addition to the upcoming vaccine mandate, Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser reinstated the mask mandate in indoor public spaces on December 21, 2021, and on January 26th, extended the mask mandate through February 28, 2022. To read the full mask mandate, click here.
We’ll continue updating our show policy plan according to ongoing public safety announcements made by the District of Columbia and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). All pertinent information will be relayed via our website, social media channels, email messaging and additional channels.
At this time, the neighboring areas of Arlington and Alexandria, Virginia, do not have a city/county-wide mask or vaccine mandate and the decision is left solely to each business. However, transportation options such as the Metro and Lyft/Uber are requiring masks worn while inside the vehicle.
The National Sheriffs’ Association currently has no plan to cancel or postpone the 2022 Winter Conference. We remain committed to providing you a great conference experience with multiple seminars to select from, interest-based committee meetings, exhibiting companies, and other great networking opportunities. With the direction of the Executive Committee, NSA will not be issuing refunds at this time for those who wish to not partake in the 2022 Winter Conference solely based on the mandates in place by the city of Washington, D.C.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the 2022 Winter Conference please email Erin Lyons, Director of Meetings, Marketing and Member Engagement at elyons@sheriffs.org.
COVID-19 has changed the world and the way we all operate, and that also means how NSA will conduct its Winter Conference. We are continuously monitoring the COVID-19 virus and its variants and adhering to the recommendations of the DC Mayor. More information can be found https://mayor.dc.gov/. As restrictions and requirements change, we will update the below information.
The link to information on the COVID-19 protocols for the DC Area airports and the JW Marriott Washington DC are below:
Be sure to check the CDC’s travel guidelines as you prepare for your trip.
COVID-19 FAQS
As of January 11, 2022
What COVID-related precautions is NSA taking for attendees?
We will be following the recommendations of the CDC in partnership with the DC Mayor’s guidelines.
Is proof of vaccination required?
Yes.
Starting January 15, 2022, proof of at least one COVID-19 vaccination will be required to attend the NSA Winter Conference. Read Mayor’s Order 2021-148 here.
How is the host hotel, the JW Marriott, handling the vaccine mandate?
Click here for comprehensive guidance on the JW Marriott’s vaccination requirements.
Each guest that arrives at the hotel for check in would be asked the following questions:
A) Are you attending a conference?
B) Will you be utilizing our restaurants or fitness center?
If the answer is yes to either of these questions the hotel will ask for a valid identification as well as proof of a vaccine card. The guest would then be provided with wristband that would allow them to attend the conference for the duration of their stay.
The following are acceptable forms of proof of vaccination status:
- A CDC issued vaccination card (original, photocopy for digital copy/photo)
- Record of immunization from a health care provider or public health authority
- A COVID-19 verification app (eg., VaxYes, Clear, Excelsior)
If the guest is not staying at the hotel and just coming in to the building for the day for a meeting, they will still need to show proof of vaccination and receive a wristband. A “Vaccine Desk” will be set up in the lobby and staffed during peak times. If no one is at the Vaccine Desk the individual will need to go to the hotel check in desk to receive a wristband.
If a guest has a medical or religious exemption they would have to provide proof of a negative COVID test each day prior to attending the meeting. Therefore – if they are planning to attend for 3 days, they would need a negative test each day prior.
Do I have to wear a mask?
Yes.
Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser reinstated the mask mandate in indoor public spaces on December 21, 2021 (read Mayor’s Order 2021-147). On January 26, 2022, Mayor Bower extended the mandate through February 28, 2022 (read Mayor’s Order 2022-018) NSA is continuously monitoring mask requirements and will update this page accordingly.
Do I have to observe social distancing?
As of December 1, 2021, Washington, DC does not require social distancing.
What procedures are in place at the JW Marriott Washington DC during the Winter Conference?
In accordance with CDC and the DC Mayor’s guidelines, the JW Marriott Hotel will:
- Place hand sanitizer throughout the hotel common areas.
- Frequently clean and disinfect areas.
- You can find more information about the Marriott’s response to COVID-19 by visiting this website: https://whattoexpect.marriott.com/wasjw.
Will there be temperature screening?
No, temperature screening will not take place.
Visit these additional websites to learn more about how DC is handling current protocols: