The GSM Experience Meets

Best-In-Class Health Safety

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In preparation for GSM 2023 and The Pride Celebration, we've spent the past two years learning from leading medical and public health professionals to create a Healthy and Safety program that is based on the most effective health safety practices available. We are grateful to the *State of New York for setting a high standard on COVID safety. For the planning team at Gay & Sober, that means that we are eager to do what drives us every day: create exceptional guest experiences! You will receive the full GSM Conference/Pride Celebration experience from the moment you arrive.

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WESTIN'S COMMITMENT TO CLEAN

As we welcome you into to our hotel, we are committed to providing you with a safe environment that aligns with expert protocols for working to defeat COVID-19. Consisting of in-house and outside experts in food and water safety, hygiene and infection prevention, and hotel operations, our *Marriott Cleanliness Council is redefining cleaning and safety standards. Marriott will actively monitor and evolve solutions to ensure a continued focus on the health and safety of guests and staff.

For more details, click here.

(*Marriott is the parent company of Westin.)

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HEALTH, SAFETY, AND SANITATION

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Since the start of the pandemic, Gay & Sober and its events has followed state and local guidelines.

On January 30th, 2023, President Biden has ended the covid national emergency. On February 15th, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul ended the covid emergency.  

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VACCINATIONS FOR MONKEYPOX:

As of September of 2022, we have yet to determine if participants will be required to be vaccinated for Monkeypox. Stay tuned for more information. 

 

VACCINATIONS FOR COVID-19:

Effective March 5th, 2023, participants no longer need to provide proof of being vaccinated for COVID-19. 

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PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY:

We recommend being vaccinated and self-testing before you come to New York. 

If you are feeling sick, please stay home.

Should you feel sick or experience a breakthrough case during the event, it is your responsibility to self-isolate. Please consider getting traveler's insurance prior to coming to making your trip.

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FACE MASKS:

As of February of 2022, masks are optional - but not required at the Conference in June. Our team of volunteers and guests are welcomed to wear face coverings while in public spaces. Face coverings will be provided in participant's welcome packet. As of September 1st, 2022, Face coverings are no longer required in the subway and most public spaces like museums and Broadway shows.

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SANITATION:

A team of cleaning professionals will be disinfecting guest areas of the host hotel 24 hours a day. New and enhanced cleaning technologies including electrostatic sprayers are utilized to sanitize surfaces throughout the hotel. Westin is using air purifying systems that are effective against viruses in the air and on surfaces. Door handles, elevator buttons, escalator rails and chairs will be disinfected on a continuous daily basis. Hotel keys and signature pens will be cleaned and sanitized before distribution. Guests will be reminded to use hand sanitizer while in public spaces. There will be hand sanitizing stations throughout the hotel and at all meeting venues. Hand sanitizer dispensers, touch-less whenever possible, will be placed at contact areas such as the hotel lobby, reception areas, restaurant entrances, meeting and convention spaces, elevator landings, and exercise areas.

A bottle of hand sanitizer will also be included in your welcome packet. 

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SOCIAL DISTANCING:

Our social distancing recommendations in June will be greatly relaxed compared to 2021. Out of an abundance of caution, we have drastically limited the number of chairs we are using during workshops and meetings. 

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CONTACTLESS CHECK IN AND CHECK OUT:

Less Contact. More Convenience.
These are unprecedented times, so Westin is going to unprecedented lengths to welcome you safely. From check-in to check out, they’ve reimagined your stay to reduce contact and increase your comfort. These services are made easy through the Marriott Mobile App. (Marriott is the parent company of Westin.)

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GUEST ROOM SANITATION:

Guests will be assigned a room that has been thoroughly cleaned, disinfected. In guest rooms, Westin has added to its detailed cleaning practices, requiring all surfaces to be thoroughly cleaned with hospital-grade disinfectants. 

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IN THE SUBWAY:

The Subway is running, reliable, and will get you where you need to go. Masks are not required. However, If you need a mask, go to a booth and ask for one. They will give you a free disposable one. 

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AT THE AIRPORT AND ON THE STREETS:

In New York, wearing masks outdoors is optional. Masks are still a sign of respect to the people around you. *UPDATE: effective April 1st, 2021, domestic and international travelers coming to New York State will not need to self-quarantine. 

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*For full details from the State of New York, click here.

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