Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the
AME Church doing to prepare for an in-person General Conference (GC)?
A. The meeting planning team is working closely with local
Orlando authorities, the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC), and our hotel
partners to determine and implement best practices. Further, CDC meeting and
other federal, state, and local agencies’ guidelines are being followed for
safety protocols.
Q. What
COVID-19 protocols does the OCCC have in place?
A. The OCCC has a Recovery and Resiliency Plan to safeguard staff
and all event and GC attendees. They maintain a comprehensive cleaning,
disinfection, and infectious disease prevention program which allows the OCCC
to host conferences and events in the safest manner possible. The OCCC was also
one of the first convention centers in the country to achieve Global Biorisk
Advisory Council (GBAC) Star Accreditation in COVID-19 outbreak prevention,
response, and recovery.
Q. Has the OCCC
updated its HVAC systems?
A. In accordance with OCCC operational policies, the
HVAC systems in key areas in the convention center will run 24-hours per day
during GC and fresh air exhaust will be used during move-in and move-out. HVAC
HEPA filters are replaced every three months or as needed.
Q. Are
vaccinations mandatory?
A. All attendees are strongly encouraged to be fully
vaccinated before arrival or to have a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours
of arrival.
Q. Why are
participants being asked to sign a General Conference Promote Safety
Acknowledgment?
A. Although the AME Church is implementing steps to
ensure the safety of participants, there are no steps that eliminate 100% of
the risk of COVID exposure and infection. The AME Church has determined that
only with the assistance of participants in becoming familiar with the risks;
self-screening and declining to participate in the General Conference, if
during a specified time frame, the participant has had certain COVID symptoms
or been exposed to contagious persons; and regular self-monitoring for symptoms
and reporting to designated Point of Contact can the Church reasonably reduce
the risk of the spread of the COVID infection.
Q. Will I be
allowed to receive my credentials without signing the General Conference
Promote Safety Acknowledgment?
A. No. Credentials will only be printed with a signed
Acknowledgment.
Q. What is the
face mask policy?
A. Face coverings will be required by all attendees
at all times and in all locations. Attendees are encouraged to bring an
adequate supply though some will be available on site.
Q. What other
COVID-19 protocols will be required at GC?
A. All attendees will be responsible for daily
self-monitoring and will be subject to daily temperature checks. Attendees will
also be required to practice physical distancing of at least six feet. Hand
sanitizing stations will be readily available and frequent hand washing is
encouraged.
Q. Is
transportation available from the airport to the partner hotels?
A. No. There is no GC- or hotel-sponsored transportation
from the airport to the partner hotels. However, shuttles, taxis, and shared
ride services are available.
Q. Do I need to
bring my own electronic device to the GC?
A. Yes. Your electronic device will be needed to access the
AME app which will be the best source of timely information on-site. Each DMR
will have a large screen in order to view all the GC proceedings in the
GSH.
Q. Will
scooters be available?
A. Yes. It is necessary to reserve and pay in advance for
scooter rentals. For more information, visit https://scootaround.com/en/amec-51st-quadrennial-session-of-the-general-conference-37th-biennial-convention-of-the-connectional-lay-organization.
Q. Are children
allowed to attend GC?
A. Yes, we continue to recognize the importance of our
youth in the overall operations and ministry of our church and they are
welcomed to attend. While COVID-19 has limited some of our normal quadrennial
activities, including the Youth Camp, young people can register as youth (ages
5-18)
Q. Will there
be healthcare professionals at the GC?
A. Healthcare professionals will be in place
in Orlando and Cape Town during both the GC and CLO meetings. They will manage
all COVID-19 issues including testing as well as other medical care and health
concerns, staff first-aid clinics, and provide telehealth options as needed.
Q. Is
registration still open for observers?
A. Yes. We continue to encourage Observers to
register for the GC and Lay Biennial. See https://observer.amec-2021gc.org.
Q. Are hotel
rooms still available for observers?
A. Yes. Hotel reservations are still available. Observer
registration requires a minimum deposit of a four-night stay.
Q. Who can we
call if we have more questions about housing and registration?
A. For any questions regarding housing and registration,
contact the GC Help Line at (833) 628–6180. Email housing questions to housing@amec-2021gc.org.
Email registration questions to support@amec-2021gc.org.
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General Conference FAQs:
