Last updated: 19 Dec 2022. We will keep this page updated as we continue to monitor the situation.

The health and safety of HRI 2023 conference attendees is our top priority. The 2023 HRI Conference Organizing Committee is closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic.

HRI will be held in a hybrid format, with both in-person and virtual options. We look forward to having you join us in Stockholm. We have received an unprecedented number of submissions across all submission categories.Thus, if you would prefer not to participate in a large gathering or if your organization has travel restrictions, we encourage you to participate virtually.

It is well documented that COVID-19 is an airborne disease, and can be transmitted by exposure to respiratory fluids and aerosols [1]. It is also well documented that COVID-19 can cause death and permanent physical and cognitive disabilities, including in people who have mild cases and who are vaccinated [2, 3].

For those traveling from outside Sweden making decisions about in-person attendance, as of Dec 2022, the Swedish government does not have public-level COVID-19 transmission prevention measures in place. Information on current recommendations and the Swedish response to COVID can be found here.

The World Health Organization (WHO) provides steps to reduce the risk of catching and spreading COVID-19, including: 1) Getting vaccinated and boosted, 2) Wearing a face mask whenever one is indoors, and 3) Letting fresh air circulate when meeting indoors and/or meeting outside [4].

At the HRI 2023 conference, we will be engaging in the following practices to mitigate the spread of disease.

We kindly ask participants to wear face coverings in all indoor public settings regardless of vaccination status, aside from when immediately eating or drinking. Face coverings should be non-cloth masks (e.g., FFP2/N95/KN95).

We will attempt to provide masks at the venue, however you should plan to bring your own masks, should you wish to be sure to have access to them. We also strongly encourage wearing a mask throughout your travels as much as possible.

It is strongly recommended that all meeting attendees are fully vaccinated and boosted by the date of attendance unless they are unable to be vaccinated for health or religious reasons.

If you do not feel well or show any symptoms of COVID-19, please stay home. Please refer to this screening questionnaire from the CDC as a resource.

People who need help to assess their symptoms or advice on where to seek medical care can call the national health advice number 1177.

We will aim to support good ventilation at the venue, including opening windows when and where possible, and other measures.

Please also be aware that final decisions on additional safety protocols may be made just before the event, based on the public health conditions and guidelines at the meeting location close to the meeting dates. We reserve the right to impose stricter policies and protocols than those outlined here.