Message from the President
Greetings!

AAGP Leadership, like you, is concerned about the growing spread of the Coronavirus (also known as COVID-19), and the impact that it will have here in the United States.

We looking forward to welcoming you to San Antonio for the AAGP 2020 Annual Meeting March 13-16. AAGP is committed to providing a productive meeting that fosters diversity, open dialogue and exchange of scientific ideas. We care about you and are working with our partners in San Antonio to ensure a safe environment for our community and the 2020 AAGP Annual Meeting.

At this time, no federal restrictions are in place to prevent travel within the United States including San Antonio. However, misinformation – in the news, on social media, and word of mouth – has led to rising concerns and premature calls for registration and meeting cancellations.

AAGP and our partners in San Antonio are closely monitoring developments related to the respiratory illness COVID-19, commonly referred to as the Coronavirus, and its potential impact on travel to, and within, the United States. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is monitoring the situation along with local and state authorities in the state of Texas.

The San Antonio International Airport and the Grand Hyatt San Antonio are all operating normally. Please know that any changes to federal, state, or local protocols for the San Antonio area will be reported to AAGP immediately, and, as usual, we will comply with any applicable directives.

The  CDC’s website  on Coronavirus is an excellent source of up-to-the-minute information. The U.S. Travel Association encourages travelers to monitor and follow guidance offered by the CDC, which currently advises travelers to “practice usual precautions.”

With the situation evolving rapidly, we also encourage AAGP 2020 attendees, vendors, and staff, to consult the following resources and CDC recommendations as you prepare for the meeting. You can count on AAGP to share information and provide updates as they become available.

Attendees with questions are welcome to contact us at  meetinginfo@aagponline.org .
Rajesh R. Tampi, MD, MS, DFAPA, DFAAGP
AAGP President
Up-to-Date Coronavirus Resources
& Information
CDC Recommendations
The CDC does not currently have a COVID-19 travel health notice for the continental United States.

Because of how air circulates and is filtered on airplanes, most viruses and other germs do not spread easily on airplanes. Although the risk of infection on an airplane is low, travelers should try to avoid contact with sick passengers and wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer that contain 60%-95% alcohol.

CDC does not recommend travelers wear facemasks to protect themselves from COVID-19. You may choose to wear a mask, but it is more important to follow CDC recommendations for everyday prevention practices:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Stay home when you are sick. 
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning product.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60%-95% alcohol.