The officers of the American Association for the History of Medicine are monitoring the spread of COVID-19, and its implications for our annual meeting. Many professional organizations have cancelled upcoming meetings. The officers are reviewing statements issued by the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and are in close contact with the AAHM Local Arrangements and Program Committees. As of March 10, 2020, the officers and the committees have elected not to cancel the meeting and to continue to follow developments with COVID-19.
It is quite possible that decisions made by the University of Michigan, City of Ann Arbor, State of Michigan, and various federal agencies may take the decision about the annual meeting out of the Association’s hands. As of March 10, 2020, none of the above-mentioned entities have restricted domestic travel or forbidden large meetings.
Some members may want to wait before making a decision to attend the annual meeting. AAHM will make refunds without penalty to all who register if the meeting is cancelled. AAHM also will refund those who have registered and later decide they cannot attend. The AAHM will be flexible about its requirement to register by April 7 for people who appear on the program. In addition, we have waived the late fee so that individuals can register until April 30 at the early registration rate. Our meeting hotels, the Kensington and the Even will hold our reserved room blocks until April 24, 2020.
The AAHM Officers and the Local Arrangements and Program Committees will send another notification to all members and those who have registered for the annual meeting by March 31, or sooner if events warrant.
Susan Lederer
AAHM President