ExSS V aims to give all attendees the safest experience we can manage in the ongoing pandemic. Visit Health New Zealand for the current COVID-19 response.
 
Venue:

• Masking while indoors is warmly welcomed.
• Presentation sessions take place in large rooms including the auditorium with capacity of 700 people. Te Pae was completed in October 2020, and has high rates of internal ventilation. In general, there is extensive indoor-outdoor flow. 

Social Gatherings:

• The opening reception is in in the Dobson Foyer, a 1,100-capacity space. There are doors for standing outside under the building eaves.
• Coffee breaks are in Halls 1/2, which holds 980 with high ceilings. There are adjacent doors for standing outside under the building eaves.
• The banquet is in a large 500-person capacity space, which may be opened into the larger 1000-person capacity space if required.
• The closing reception is in a different building, older but fully renovated within the last 7 years. The room holds 400 people. There are adjacent doors for standing outside, but less eaves. 

Many cafes, bars, and restaurants within a few hundred metres walk of Te Pae, and throughout the city centre, have extensive outdoor seating. For instance, head south along the riverbank (Oxford Terrace) from Te Pae. 

The weather in March is generally pleasant for outdoor dining. Temperature can be a little variable: bring a light jacket, especially for evenings – it cools off after sunset!
 
If you feel sick:

• Please do not attend the venue.
• Take a free COVID-19 test. Free rapid antigen tests (RATs) are available from pharmacies near Te Pae. The LOC can also deliver RATs to your accommodation or check with your accommodation provider.

If you test positive for COVID-19:

• The NZ Ministry of Health recommends you isolate for 5 days, or until testing negative, even if you only have mild symptoms.
• Antivirals are free in NZ for those in risk categories.
• The LOC is happy to provide support for anyone who is sick, e.g. meal drop-offs or planning how to get home safely. Contact Michele Bannister at [email protected] and Lisa Arnold at [email protected].
• Tell your accommodation provider. They may have some isolation guidelines and advice for you. They will also want to make sure the property is safe for the next booking.  

If you need advice:

• If you need advice on how to treat your symptoms, or have worsening symptoms, call the COVID-19 Healthline on 0800 358 5453 or talk to your healthcare provider. Healthline can provide help in multiple languages.

If it is an emergency:

• If your symptoms get worse or you need urgent medical care, call the COVID-19 Healthline on 0800 358 5453, or your local healthcare provider.
• If you or the person you are caring for develops difficulty breathing, severe chest pain, fainting or becomes unconscious, call 111 immediately.
• If you require hospital-level care, it is free.