LAS VEGAS — With the Omicron wave expected to crest in the U.S. in January, all eyes are on CES 2022, which is coming to Las Vegas January 5-8 and is expected to attract more than 2,100 exhibitors and 149,000-170,000 attendees.
Gary Shapiro, President and CEO, Consumer Technology Association, said he continues to see new exhibitors sign up daily. Now, the world’s most influential tech show is taking substantial steps to protect every participant from COVID.
“In August, we announced that every CES attendee must be fully vaccinated,” Shapiro said. “CES will now also now provide complimentary COVID-19 rapid tests on site at badge pick-up locations as an additional step to protect the health and safety of all our attendees, exhibitors and staff.”
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CES recommends that attendees test for COVID before their arrival in Las Vegas and at least 24 hours before entering a show venue. Upon arriving at designated badge pick-up locations, they will be provided with Abbott BinaxNOW COVID-19 self-test kits. Each kit contains two rapid tests, which can be used while attending the show. The test is easy to use and takes 15 minutes.
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Detailed protocols on the CES web site outline all safety measures, as well as the protocols if an attendee becomes ill on site. First-aid areas have been set up at CES venues where attendees can obtain a rapid molecular Nucleic Acid Amplification Test, with results available within 25 minutes. If a person tests positive with a molecular test, the show will transport them back to the hotel to quarantine.
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CES attendees are encouraged to download the COVID Trace app developed by the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services. The mobile application uses a technology called the Exposure Notifications System from Google and Apple.
Reach Gary Shapiro at (703) 907-7600 or gshapiro@cta.tech
