Introducing IGCS COVID Safety Officer, Dr. Alessandro Cartelli

• Face masks must be worn by all delegates at the congress while indoors as an extra safety precaution.
• To accommodate social distancing at the Auditorium, a maximum of 500 in-person tickets will be sold. Seating within the halls has been spaced to adhere to social distance guidelines, currently 1m.
• If a delegate tests positive for COVID-19, a molecular PCR test will be issued. If found positive, the delegate will not be allowed to enter the auditorium and will be advised on safe transportation from the auditorium to their hotel.

COVID-19 Health & Safety FAQ

Q: What Coronavirus-related safety precautions are being taken for meeting delegates in Rome?
A: IGCS is committed to the health and safety of our delegates, staff, and everyone who works at the meeting venue. We have been working closely with officials at the Auditorium, the local conference organizer, and receiving updates from the Italian government and we have implemented the following guidelines and procedures regarding COVID-19 safety.

Q: How many people will be able to attend in-person?
A: To accommodate social distancing at the Auditorium, a maximum of 500 in-person tickets will be sold.

Q: What is the COVID Safety Officer’s responsibility?
A: IGCS has appointed Dr. Alessandro Cartelli as COVID Safety Officer. He will be responsible for ensuring that guidelines are followed, and proper steps are taken in the event of a positive COVID case. For questions, please email Dr. Cartelli.

Q: What testing will be required to be admitted to the meeting venue?
A: Our onsite team will be conducting rapid testing with the STANDARD Q COVID-19 Ag Test by SD BIOSENSOR.  It is a rapid chromatographic immunoassay for the qualitative detection of specific antigens to SARS-CoV-2 present in human nasopharynx, approved by the Italian and European FDA and is valid for the screening of this population. The specimen is collected though a nasopharyngeal swab. Test results will be available after 15 minutes and those who test negative will proceed to registration to collect their Congress information.

Q: When will I need to be tested?
A: All meeting delegates must be tested by the IGCS COVID team and show a negative test at the time of registration. Testing will be offered at the meeting venue on Sunday, August 29, 2021 and will remain available throughout the conference.

Q: Is IGCS testing required if I recently completed testing somewhere else?
A: Yes, the test done by IGCS is required. COVID tests that have been done elsewhere and Green passes issued in the EU will not be accepted to grant access to the Congress. All delegates must have a negative test performed by the IGCS team at the venue. IGCS is covering the cost of the required COVID test for entry.

Q: What if I am not in Rome on August 29^th to get tested by the IGCS team?
A: Testing stations will be available throughout the duration of the meeting.

Q: What happens if I test positive for COVID-19?
A: If a delegate tests positive for COVID-19, a molecular PCR test will be issued. If found positive, the delegate will not be allowed to enter the auditorium and will be advised on safe transportation from the auditorium to their hotel. The IGCS COVID team will provide them with information and assistance on local medical care and further testing facilities as needed. Note that any required PCR testing and transportation away from the venue will be at the expense of the delegate. The delegate will receive a registration conversion from an in-person pass to a virtual pass and will receive the appropriate refund in price in adherence to the IGCS registration conversion and cancellation policy.

Q: What are the current safety measures in place at The Auditorium?
A: The Auditorium has provided detailed safety measures that will be shared with delegates attending in-person in advance of the meeting. At this time, guidelines include but are not limited to:

• Temperature checks upon entering the Auditorium.
• All those entering the Auditorium will be required to wear an FFP2 face mask at all times while in the Auditorium.   
• Seating within the halls has been spaced to adhere to social distance guidelines, currently 1m. A maximum of 500 delegates will be allowed.
• Notices stating safety regulations to be followed, aimed principally at the audience, will be displayed at various points inside the Auditorium.

Q: Is there any information that I need to be aware of regarding COVID-19 and travel?
A: Click here for important information from the Italian Ministry of Health regarding travel and COVID-19. This includes specific information about the classification of territories, travel restrictions, rules, and requirements for travelling to and from abroad.

Congratulations to Dr. Henry Chege from Moi University in Kenya for completing the IGCS Gynecologic Oncology Global Curriculum & Mentorship Program!

This fellowship program is the first fellowship in any medical field approved by Moi University. The IGCS Global Curriculum was established in 2017 under the leadership of then-President, Michael Quinn. It is a comprehensive two-year education and training program designed for regions around the world that do not currently have formal training in gynecologic oncology. Click here to learn more about the program.

Congratulations to Dr. Chege on achieving this important milestone. Many thanks to the local and international mentors for their support and guidance.

Dr. Barry Rosen, International Mentor congratulates Dr. Chege: "You made a very impressive, total commitment Henry, giving up your clinic practice, giving up money you would have made to do this training. And you had delays (out of your control) along the way which must have been very frustrating. It is a very big accomplishment. You are now internationally recognized for your expertise. Kenyan women will benefit so much from your expertise and your future training of other doctors. I wish I could be in Kenya to congratulate you in person.”

Volunteer to Support IGCS Mentorship & Training Programs

We are always looking for volunteer leaders of all disciplines to support our mentorship and training programs. If you are interested in becoming a mentor or contributing to our virtual tumor boards, please contact Susan Ralph at susan.ralph@igcs.org.