The American Thoracic Society believes everyone deserves to feel respected and safe at the ATS 2023 International Conference. With this philosophy in mind, the ATS will adhere to all requirements from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, city of Washington, DC, and local facilities’ best practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The ATS will require all registered attendees, including exhibitors, vendors, and staff, to attest that they are vaccinated before entering any conference facilities. This includes the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, headquarter hotels, and other facilities where official ATS conference events will take place. At this time, masks are encouraged but not required. The ATS will work with the city to stay informed and closely follow all coronavirus-related updates. Attendees should note that masks will not be distributed at the convention center’s entrance. Anyone who plans to wear a mask should bring their own supply to Washington, DC.

All ATS 2023 registered attendees, faculty, staff, and exhibitors are urged to remain home and avoid travel if they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. During the conference, participants also should perform a health status self-check every day for any onset of COVID-19 symptoms, as defined by the CDC. If attendees exhibit symptoms at the meeting, they should immediately isolate themselves and notify an ATS staff member.

The ATS has partnered with a trusted private security company and engaged the Washington, DC, police department to ensure all participants’ health, safety, and security requirements are met. Security personnel will be stationed throughout the conference for any needs that may arise.

For further health and safety updates as the International Conference date approaches, please check the conference website. Attendees interested in supplementary health and safety resources should review the links below.

• CDC Travel Guidelines
• CDC Pandemic Guidelines for Travel and Events
• Washington, DC, Health and Safety Guidelines
• COVID-19 Initiatives at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center
• Walter E. Washington Convention Center Becomes First to Achieve WELL Health-Safety Rating