Press Releases


Press Release – April 14, 2020

Dear Colleagues,

The fight against COVID-19 is in full swing, and we are beginning to see some peer-reviewed contributions in the literature. These data-driven studies are much stronger than the anecdotal reports we have been forced to rely on in the early stages of the crisis. Specifically, the association of Covid-19 infection with smell loss has been strengthened and I would like to draw your attention to the 3 new articles in IFAR noted below:

There have been some encouraging signs in the battle against COVID-19 over the past week. This has caused many us to begin consideration of the question of when and how we can return to some degree of normal operations. There is still much we need to learn about the virus, which will have major implications going forward. We are not clear on when asymptomatic but infected patients are capable of spreading the virus, whether immunity is durable and whether chronic carrier states exist. Moreover, scientists do not yet agree on whether large droplets vs. much smaller aerosols can both serve as mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 spread. (Lewis, D. Nature vol. 580, 9 April 2020) The answers to these questions will obviously affect both office and operating room policies going forward. To that end, I would like to draw your attention to the below study that begins the process of analyzing aerosol production with the use of common rhinologic tools. The clinical relevance is not yet clear, but studies such as this are a first step back in the direction of normalcy. 

Thank you.

Robert Kern, MD, FARS
President
American Rhinologic Society


Press Release – March 24, 2020

Dear Colleagues,

The ARS is aware of recent reports from our colleagues in the United States and overseas as well as from the media about anosmia being an early presenting symptom of COVID-19 in some patients, possibly preceding any additional symptoms such as fever and cough. Of course, anosmia can be a presenting symptom of non-COVID viral rhinitis as well. However, with the potential risk of transmission associated with procedures in the airway such as endoscopy, we wanted to inform the Rhinologic community about this emerging issue.

Please review the statements from the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, the British Rhinological Society, and media reports, here:

American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery:

British Rhinological Society:

CNN:

I am confident that we will overcome this COVID-19 crisis. That success depends in part and upon the dissemination of critical information as referenced above.

Stay safe…Stay healthy.

Thank you.

Robert Kern, MD, FARS
President
American Rhinologic Society


Press Release - March 20, 2020

You are all well aware of current events and the rapidly evolving implications of the COVID-19 pandemic. CMS and AAO have released official statements encouraging deferral of all but essential procedures at this time. We have very little data on the risk of infection to providers with the various ENT procedures, nor do we have evidence-based recommendations for the best methods of protection. At this point, policies will driven by your local hospital infection control committees, but they are also operating with very limited data. Consequently, at this juncture ARS leadership supports the CMS and AAO positions to delay non-essential procedures until the situation becomes more clear, and to exercise extreme caution when performing urgent ENT interventions. The ARS is continuing to monitor the situation as more evidence surfaces.

Robert Kern, MD
President, ARS


Press Release - March 16, 2020

(updated March 20, 2020 to reflect presenter alternatives)

Re: COSM/COVID-19

Dear Colleagues:

Due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic and its growing impact, the Combined Spring Otolaryngology Spring Meetings (COSM) April 22-26, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia has been canceled.

Presenters: Considering the recent cancellation of the ARS COSM 2020 Meeting in Atlanta, GA, the ARS is offering you the following alternatives:

  • Oral Presenters:
    • Present your research at the ARS Annual Meeting in Boston, MA, Saturday September 12, 2020
    • The manuscript submission deadline will be extended to August 14, 2020. You may submit your completed manuscript anytime through 8/14.
  • Poster Presenters:
    • Present your poster at the ARS Annual Meeting in Boston, MA, Saturday, September 12, 2020
    • Submit your poster to Genigraphics via the new/updated Annual Meeting instructions (to be emailed later)
    • If you’ve already uploaded your poster to Genigraphics for the COSM meeting, you’ll need to cancel that submission.

Please take a moment to complete this confirmation form and return it to [email protected] no later than Monday April 27, 2020

Refunds: Meeting registration fees will be refunded in FULL. The COSM meetings department is working on automatically refunding your credit card, however, you may contact their office directly at 312-202-5322 or via email [email protected]

Hotel Refunds: Although the Hilton Atlanta is aware of the meeting cancellation, please contact them to make sure that your refund is issued. Don’t forget to receive a cancellation confirmation number at that time. (Hilton Atlanta: 404-659-2000)

The American Rhinologic Society extends its sympathies to all of those who have been affected by the outbreak. This was a difficult decision to make, however, the safety of our members, presenters, and attendees remains our main priority.

Please check back periodically for updates.

In advance, thank you for your understanding and support.

Sincerely,

Robert Kern, MD
President, ARS


Press Release - March 5, 2020

Dear Colleagues,

The American Rhinologic Society (ARS) has been closely monitoring the developing national public health situation surrounding the novel coronavirus, COVID-19.

The well-being and safety of our leadership, membership, meeting attendees, and staff remains our highest priority as we prepare for the upcoming COSM Meetings in Atlanta, GA.

The ARS is working closely with the American College of Surgeons, and the COSM Secretaries on this issue and after careful review of the CDC (Center for Disease Control) current risk assessment guidelines and recommendations along with a thorough review of many considerations, we are planning to proceed with the ARS meeting at COSM next month.

The ARS Leadership will continue to monitor any new developments reported by the CDC, World Health Organization (WHO), and the ECDC (European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control). Should we receive further alarming data from the agencies listed above we will reassess the situation at that time.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Robert Kern, MD, FARS
President
American Rhinologic Society