ANTHRO NEW ENGLAND 2024 COVID-19 POLICY.
Last revised JULY 25, 2023.
INTRODUCTION.
This policy includes measures we are taking to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Attendees are required to follow these rules to maintain a healthy and safe venue. We have zero tolerance for anyone who would shirk these guidelines, as that would put other attendees at risk of exposure. The health and safety of our attendees is our top priority.
These policies apply to all staff, volunteers, and attendees of Anthro New England who physically participate in any/all convention events.
VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS.
For the safety of all attendees, we require proof (digital or physical) of a series of vaccination doses against COVID-19. We will accept official state-supplied digital COVID Vaccination cards, state-supplied paper cards, and military ID as acceptable forms of vaccination proof. Photos or screenshots of the aforementioned types ARE acceptable and may be submitted when you register online.
The requirements are:
- a primary series of either:
- two (2) doses of an mRNA vaccine (Moderna, Pfizer, AstraZenica)
- one (1) dose of a single dose vaccine (Johnson & Johnson, Novavax)
- plus:
- one (1) dose of a booster vaccine received AFTER September 2022 (Moderna, Pfizer)
*Newer boosters have replaced the original mRNA vaccines as they include the Omicron mutation as well as other newer strains of the COVID-19 virus. The bivalent vaccines were introduced in September 2022, while non-bivalent options are being made available as of 2023. If you have received a booster since then, you most likely have received this booster. Even if you have received more than 3 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, if you have not received a booster after September 2022 you will not be eligible to attend the convention until you have received it.
There may be cases where an individual has received ALL 3 of their doses using the post-September 2022 vaccines – this is perfectly acceptable.
For our international attendees – while Moderna and Pfizer are currently the only booster vaccines recognized for US citizens, we understand that there are different vaccines available elsewhere.
MASKS REQUIRED.
We recognize that many cons are relaxing their masking requirements. However, our convention will continue to occur in the winter months during resurgences of the flu/RSV/COVID-19 and other illnesses.
Therefore, to reduce not only the spread of COVID-19, but also for overall health & wellness, Anthro New England requires masks be worn in all convention spaces.
Masks MUST cover both your nose and your mouth. A balaclava or mask must be worn under all fursuit heads, and it must cover both your nose and your mouth. We have a one-strike policy; con safety will only ask you once to properly wear or fix your mask/balaclava. If you have to be asked a second time, your badge will be revoked. Once again, this applies to all convention spaces.
FOLLOW CDC GUIDELINES.
Wash your hands, avoid touching your face with unwashed hands, and monitor your health – if you are showing any symptoms of COVID-19 or new onset symptoms of general illness (fever, cough, shortness of breath, gastrointestinal symptoms, etc.) or if you have tested positive and have not isolated for at least 5 days (and/or continue to test positive), we please ask that you do not attend the convention for the safety of yourself and others. Minimizing the onset and spread of any illness during and after the convention is one of our top priorities.