COVID-19 Safety Policy


Based on the current reporting of COVID infections in Australia the organizing committee would like to model best practice behaviour at the conference to minimise the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

The organising committee will continue to monitor risk and government advice in the lead up to the conference and may institute additional precautions if the risk changes.

Please make yourself familiar with our COVID Safety Policy and requirements.

COVID Safety Policy

Attendees are reminded not to attend if:  

  • they are feeling unwell and displaying COVID-19 symptoms (and of loss or change in sense of smell or taste, fever, chills or sweats, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath or runny nose),  
  • are a household contact with a person with COVID-19 (with a positive test) within the last 7 days

If a refund is required in the case that delegates are unable to attend due to COVID-19 infection or being a close contact, the organiser will assist them on presentation of evidence.

All attendees at the Conference will be required to comply with the COVIDSafe guidelines and protocols in place at the conference venue, which will be aligned and compliant with all relevant Government health advice during this time. 

At the Conference, participants will be reminded to social distance where possible and follow the instructions of ushers when entering the meeting rooms, or in public areas. Please also follow all hand hygiene requirements.

Being COVIDSafe is a shared responsibility, and we want you to enjoy and make the most of the 27th Congress of the World Association for Sexual Health. 

For those attending the WAS Congress 2025:

  • Mask wearing is strongly recommended during the three-day conference, (preferably N95 masks). Please bring your own mask.
  • A COVID rapid antigen test (RAT) should be undertaken before travelling to attend the conference (you should do a RAT prior to setting off to attend the conference.
  • Audio and slides of sessions available post conference: If you cannot attend or become unwell or if you feel uncomfortable about travelling and attending then we will make audio recordings and PowerPoints of presentations available post conference.

Other measures that have been implemented to reduce the risk of COVID-19 include: 

  • Contactless check in / registration available (use your barcode) 
  • Hand sanitization places 
  • Reminders around social distancing and effective venue spacing
  • Post conference presentations available

In addition, the Venue have implemented the following safety measures: 

  • COVID compliant venue  
  • Adherence to current government space restriction and capacity 


If you are concerned about any COVID-19 related risks during the conference, or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Conference Secretariat at wasconference@ashm.org.au or on +61 458 291 166. Our operating hours are 9am – 5pm AET, Monday to Friday.

We acknowledge that the conference is being held the traditional lands of the Jagera and Turrbal people in Meanjin / Brisbane. We recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' continuing connection to land, water, and community and we pay our respects to Elders past and present. ASHM acknowledges Sovereignty in this country has never been ceded. It always was, and always will be, Aboriginal land.