coronavirus
Coronavirus Updates & Resources
Updated: May 4, 2020
MSA has made the difficult decision to postpone the 2020 MSA Annual Meeting in Gainesville, FL. Rather than being held this year on July 19 – 22, we will celebrate “Mycology in the Swamp” in 2022. We thank our wonderful organizers for helping us look ahead to that!
See Coronavirus tips and updates below.
MSA will continue to plan our joint meeting with the Botanical Society of America in Boise, Idaho, on the previously scheduled dates of July 17 – 21, 2021.
Updated: March 20, 2020
Dear MSA Membership,
We hope you are safe and navigating our new realities with as much grace and wisdom as you can muster. We are thinking of you!
Executive Council plans to meet the first week of April and by April 8 make a final decision on whether or not to cancel our annual meeting (at the moment, our abstract deadline is May 1, and early registration closes June 19). Please do not send abstracts or register until you’ve heard from us (in early April).
Please know that if you’ve already registered and the meeting is cancelled, MSA will fully reimburse the cost of your registration fee.
Washing our hands, and hoping you’re washing yours,
If you are wondering whether to book airfare or register for MSA:
As of today (March 13), we plan to see you all in Gainesville as planned. However, what the world is experiencing now is a swiftly changing narrative… If you decide to buy your plane tickets, or book at the hotel, please buy refundable tickets or purchase travel insurance. MSA cannot reimburse the costs of your plane tickets or lodging if you lose the ability to travel. Because the registration deadline for MSA is June 19, we suggest you wait until at least the end of May before you register. In the next weeks we will all learn a lot more about COVID19 and that information will guide MSA leadership as we make decisions moving forward. We care very much about your health!
MSA is taking all necessary precautions to ensure the health and safety of attendees in light of concerns about COVID-19. The Annual Meeting in Gainesville, Florida is currently scheduled to take place as planned. We are paying close attention to new developments and following the guidance of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These sites include daily updates, recommendations, and tips on travel.
To help everyone make the decision that’s right for them, we have extended the abstract submission deadline to May 1, 2020 (the early bird registration deadline is June 19).
Attendee safety and well-being is our top priority.
We will work with our lodging facilities and the meeting facilities to coordinate appropriate safety procedures.
The CDC currently recommends that individuals follow everyday preventative actions that include hand washing, covering your cough, and staying home if you are ill. Exercise discretion if you are not feeling well.
Stay informed and take common-sense precautions (see below). View this interview from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Security staff will be on hand in Gainesville to monitor and respond to any health issues.
We are continuing to track this situation and will provide updates on this site, by email, and through social media outlets.
Resources
• World Health Organization
Twitter: @WHO
•Who’s Travel Advice
•Who’s Coronavirus Event Planning Guide
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Twitter: @CDCgov
•Frequently asked questions
•Travel FAQs
•Fact Sheet
• Updates from the Airline Industry
• European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
Twitter: @ECDC_EU
• Florida Department of Public Health
• Alachua County Statement on Coronavirus
• U.S. Department of State Travel Guidelines
Questions?
Send an email to Cori VanGalder at the MSA Office or call us at +1-608-441-1060.
