The First There First Care/Gathering of Eagles Conference will host a first-ever, on sight, rapid PCR, COVID-19 testing process to evaluate the on-going health and safety of those attending large scale events, event organizers said.
The conference is scheduled for June 14-18 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida.
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Committee chair Bruce Caruso said the program is being offered through a company called Floodlamp Biotechnologies, located in San Carlos, California. Floodlamp Biotech has teamed up with Research Aid Networks and The National Science Volunteer Database to provide the process to the FTFC/GOE and its attendees at no cost.
According to Kevin Schallert from Floodlamp Bio, the process will demonstrate the efficacy of surveillance monitoring for large gatherings. While the conference is being presented in a hybrid format, those in physical attendance can voluntarily be tested and receive their results in a matter of hours.
The conference, in cooperation with the Seminole Tribe of Florida, is following all CDC guidelines regarding conference attendees.
“It is possible that someone may test positive without symptoms,” said Dr. Peter Antevy, medical director for Davie Fire Rescue and member of The Eagles. “The data collected from this study will allow us to gain specifics on how many potentially infected people are attending mass gatherings without being aware of their status.”
This year’s conference features a combined program with the Gathering of Eagles, a worldwide organization of high-profile medical directors. The First There First Care/Gathering Eagles Conference is in its 24 year.
