SfN June 4 Statement on COVID-19 Situation
As events have continued to unfold worldwide around COVID-19, SfN continues to closely monitor the situation, particularly in Washington, D.C., the site of Neuroscience 2020. With some areas beginning the process of reopening, there are a variety of public health factors being taken into account with the ongoing threat of the continued coronavirus spread. The ReOpen DC Advisory Group has presented a set of reopening recommendations to D.C. Mayor Muriel Browser for her consideration. These presented recommendations contain four stages to a safe reopening, with stage four being the only stage that would currently allow for public gatherings over 250 people. The mayor has indicated that she will continue to monitor data to determine D.C.’s readiness to resume any activities, including moving through the stages.
We know this is an difficult time for SfN members, whose labs are closed and may only slowly be re-opening, who are working from home and managing childcare, and who are concerned about the loss of data and the generation of new data that would usually be presented at the annual meeting as a highlight of the year. SfN Council and staff are taking all these issues into consideration when planning for the months ahead.
SfN remains committed to making decisions that are guided by public health authorities and will continue to monitor the situation to determine the effect it may have on our meeting. We will provide updates to members, volunteer leaders, exhibitors, and the field when they are available.
