The Conference organizing team at Botany 2022 has thought extensively about your safety and health regarding COVID-19. We have been monitoring the CDC and Anchorage websites, and the city is at the medium risk level and has been for a while. 

Once on site, Botany 2022 will require all Conference attendees to wear masks indoors at conference events.

More information about Covid in Anchorage:

• https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view?list_select_state=Alaska&data-type=CommunityLevels&list_select_county=2020&null=CommunityLevels 
• https://www.anchorage.net/blog/post/covid-19-traveler-information/

Masks

We recommend that you take precautions in the week prior to the conference to limit your risk of exposure to COVID-19 as much as possible and note that the CDC continues to strongly recommend masks on planes and in airports and that high-quality masks (N95) are most effective. Information on masks and their effectiveness can be found here:

• Understanding the Difference (cdc.gov)
• N95 Masks vs. KN95 Masks: Which Work Best to Protect Against Covid When Traveling? (msn.com)

We will have a limited supply of basic masks available at the registration desk.  

On-site at the Conference

During the conference, session rooms will be set up to accommodate distancing as much as possible. A large terrace at the Dena’ina Center provides outdoor seating for those who do not wish to eat or drink indoors.  Most food events will have to-go boxes if you wish to eat outside or in your own room. 

Tests and Testing Sites

If you suspect that you have become ill - there are several testing sites in Anchorage around the Convention Center and the Dorms. In addition, it might be wise to bring some at-home tests with you.  You can obtain free tests here:  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2022/01/its-official-get-free-covid-test-kits-covidtestsgov  

If you wish to be tested while at the conference the closest site is:

• Egan Center Lower Lobby – Space 5555 W 5th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501-2247
  8:00am – 4:00pm.  Beacon testing is open to the public. Registration is done through a mobile app., and they have that information at the entrance of the testing site. 
  Testing is not free, but they will give you a receipt to submit to your insurance company.
  Rapid Antigen Test - $89.00
  Rapid PCR Test - $149.00

• Walgreens - Northern Lights1470 W Northern Lights Blvd, Anchorage, 99503 
  Please register at Walgreens.com/findcare to make an appointment for testing. Results should be available within 72 hours. Free - For more information Call: 907-644-8400
• Fairweather at Lake Otis - http://fairweather.com/covid-services.html
  4115 Lake Otis Dr.
  907-346-3247

• Capstone at East 104th Avenue - https://capstoneclinic.net/project/covid19-testing/
  100 East 104th Avenue
  907-864-4642

 Testing Sites Closest to the University:

• Arete Family Medicine – testing by appointment - https://www.afcak.com/
  3801 University Lake Drive Suite 310, Anchorage, 99508.  Phone:   907-777-1850.
  They are approximately 0.2 miles away from North Hall.

• Providence Alaska Medical Center can be utilized for emergency care.
  https://www.providence.org/locations/ak/alaska-childrens-hospital
  Phone: 907-562-2211
  They will do testing for those who are asymptomatic, but symptomatic patients will need a referral from their general care provider.

What to do if you test positive:

Let the conference Staff know.  Call either the:

• Hilton front desk (800) 774-1500 or the
• Dena’ina Center (907) 263-2850 and they will get word to us.
• You can also email johanne@botany.org (although please note that email will only be checked a few times per day during the conference)

We will do what we can to support you if you become ill.
If you are quarantined in your room, we can switch your registration to virtual so if you feel up to it, you can still participate in the conference.
We will refund you for any social events you planned to attend.
Please consider what you will do if you feel unwell or test positive and have your own plan in place.