ASGE’s Commitment to Your Safety

ASGE is actively monitoring developments concerning COVID-19 and staying abreast of updates from health organizations responsible for tracking and responding to the virus. The health and safety of participants, faculty and staff remain our priority. We continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and will adjust plans, as needed. 

ASGE continues to offer livestreaming options for our courses with on-demand options subsequently available in ASGE’s GI Leap.  

ASGE IT&T remains open for events, following the 5 phase guidelines of Restore Illinois Plan.  In addition to our existing standard operating procedures, the following outlined protocols will allow us to effectively manage the safety of our daily business. Suggested protocols are subject to change based on conditions and local government regulations. 

We thank you for your continued support and partnership as we offer a variety of in-person and virtual options.  

AV TECHNOLOGY OPTIONS

ASGE offers a wide range of multimedia and instructional design services to complete your learning objectives. 

  1. Traditional face-to-face programs

  2. Traditional hands-on training + virtual demonstration from ASGE’s Bioskills & Simulation Lab

  3. Livestreaming, using a variety of platforms (e.g. Go-To-webinar, Zoom, Webex, etc.)

  4. Web conferencing 

  5. Hybrid options (traditional + virtual + on-demand)

  6. On-Demand

  7. Customized instructional design approaches based upon objectives and needs.

ASGE IT&T GENERAL PROTOCOLS

  • Employees will not report to work if they are feeling ill or are demonstrating any symptoms of illness.  

  • Physical distancing and hand hygiene practices will be implemented.

  • All ASGE employees will answer a health status questionnaire upon reporting to work

  • ASGE IT&T will continue to review and update safety protocols on a regular basis adjusting to current guidelines.

DISINFECTANT EFFORTS

ASGE IT&T will go above and beyond from what is already done to keep learners and team members healthy and safe.

  • Public Spaces: ASGE IT&T operations staff will be servicing the public spaces and high touch areas with EP-approved recommended cleaning supplies and increased frequency.

Meeting, Bioskills and Simulation Spaces: An elevated level of sanitation will be maintained using hospital-grade disinfectants when cleaning surfaces, floors and high-touch areas.

MEETING SPACES

  • HVAC system filters have all been changed and upgraded for maximum air filtration.

  • All meeting spaces are equipped with hand-sanitizer dispensers. 

  • Social distancing must be respected. 

  • Meeting spaces are limited to 50% of capacity.

COMMON AREAS AND LOCKER ROOMS

  • Gathering in common areas is allowed so long as social distancing is respected, and all attendees are wearing masks.

  • ASGE staff will be servicing the public spaces and high touch areas with recommended cleaning supplies with increased frequency.

  • All guests are expected to wash/sanitize hands before returning to activities in meeting space and laboratory.

  • There will be hand-sanitizer stations and disinfectant wipes available throughout the facility for your convenience

  • Locker Rooms are limited to:  

    • MEN’s Locker Room - 6 people at a time 

    • WOMEN’s - 6 people at a time.

  • We ask that attendees arrive wearing their own scrubs. Scrubs will not be available but may be provided on a per case basis. 

  • Locker room keys are available at Reception area and are sterilized every day at the end of event.

  • Storage will be provided for personal articles if need be and should not be carried through the facility

ADMITTANCE AND SIGN-IN PROCESS GUIDELINES

  • Plan to arrive early (eg. 45 minutes is suggested) for your program to ensure that the sign in process is quick and smooth

  • All waivers must be signed and submitted electronically prior to event date.

  • Attendees must electronically sign a self-attestation questionnaire regarding symptoms to be able to access the IT&T facility.

  • Attendees are requested to arrive wearing scrubs when lab participation is scheduled to mitigate unnecessary contact in the locker rooms. 

  • Attendees will be asked to stagger their arrivals to eliminate crowding at registration.

  • Use of mask is mandatory at all times within IT&T Center. Attendees without a mask will receive a surgical mask upon entering the building to be worn at all times. 

  • Suggested CDC social distancing guidelines must be maintained throughout the building at all times.

  • Attendees will receive their seat assignment (didactic location) and station assignment (lab) upon arrival.

  • Hand sanitizing stations will be available for use upon arrival.

CATERING

  • Meal service protocols will be enforced to reduce person-to-person contact. 

  • Strict sanitation and food safety practices will be followed in all kitchens, including wearing gloves and masks.  

  • Deep cleaning and ongoing disinfecting will be maintained on dining surfaces at the IT&T Center. Sanitation logs will be kept to monitor all cleaning activities.

  • Boxed breakfasts and lunches only will be available until further notice. 

  • We recommend strict adherence to enhanced handwashing guidelines before meals.

  • Symptom and health screening of all catering staff will be maintained daily.

LABORATORY

  • All IT&T employees and support staff will wear masks throughout the day. 

  • Full PPE will be required at all times in lab area.

  • All training specimens from 2020 will undergo COVID-19 screening and standard serology reporting.

  • Restructuring our labs to allow physical distancing between workstations. 

  • Lab will be disinfected with proper cleaning products in between sessions and at the completion of each day.

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