Health and Safety Protocols

The Vision Sciences Society strongly encourages attendees of the VSS meeting to ensure that their COVID-19 vaccinations are up to date prior to the meeting. Attendees are also strongly encouraged to wear masks at the conference, particularly in densely attended settings such as talk sessions and poster halls (especially when not presenting). 

VSS may change policies should recommended federal, state, or local protocols change.

A limited supply of surgical masks will be available at the VSS registration desk. 

Attendee Responsibilities

Attendees are asked to self-monitor daily for symptoms and not enter shared spaces if they are exhibiting any symptoms or signs of illness.

A limited supply of antigen rapid tests will be available at the VSS registration desk.

Testing Locations

If you need to find a lab or drug store for a COVID test, including to fly home, the following are nearby locations:

Walgreens
6735 Central Ave., St Petersburg, FL 33710
Appointment Information: Appointment Required
Rapid Testing
https://www.walgreens.com/findcare/covid19/testing

CVS
15129 Madeira Way, Madeira Beach, FL 33708
Appointment Information: Appointment Required
Rapid & PCR Testing
https://www.cvs.com/minuteclinic/covid-19-testing

AFC Urgent Care
2241 66th St N St. Petersburg
Monday – Friday AND Saturday – Sundays
Hours of Operation: 8:00am – 8:00 pm Monday-Friday AND 8:00am – 5:00 pm Saturday-Sunday
Rapid Testing
https://www.afcurgentcare-stpetersburg.com/

For additional sites, see https://covid19.pinellascounty.org/testing
Scroll down to the searchable map and enter the address of the Tradewinds: 5500 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach

Onsite Safety and Cleaning

  • The Tradewinds has instituted enhanced cleaning process including the use of Electrostatic Spraying Technology which uses the highest classification of disinfectants and sprays entire areas including guest rooms, meeting space, lobby, fitness centers and dining venues.
  • Hand sanitizer dispensers will also continue to be accessible at key guest entrances and at all meeting and event locations.
  • Staff will sanitize all shared equipment and meeting amenities before and after each use. This includes wiping down podiums, microphones, and PowerPoint clickers between all speakers.
  • Frequent cleaning and disinfecting will be performed on commonly touched surfaces and in high-traffic areas.