COVID-19 Policy

FSP-SAF-201P — Revised 20 Feb 2023

Section 1: Facts & Definitions

1.0.0 Facts

During any pandemic or epidemic, transmission rates of any disease rise in any public place where people are present. This is especially the case when the disease is transmissible through the air by inhaling particles or microdroplets transporting the disease. Depending on the nature of the disease, exposure could lead to personal injury, severe illness, and death. By attending Furcationland, you voluntarily assume all risks of exposure to infectious diseases. All visitors must follow all Furcationland health and safety protocols.

Based on guidance from the CDC, FDA, and other health authorities, or by approval of the Furcationland board of directors, this policy may be amended to include attendees not currently covered. Furthermore, the definition of “up to date” per CDC guidelines may be amended to include additional booster or follow-up doses.

If you have symptoms of or are sick with any infectious disease, or simply feel unwell, please stay home.

1.1.0 Definitions

“Up to date” means you have completed a COVID-19 vaccine primary series and received the most recent booster dose recommended for you by the CDC.

A “primary series” is the base course of vaccines. In most cases, this is 2 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, 2 doses of the Moderna vaccine, or 1 dose of the Johnson & Johnson Janssen’s vaccine. For more information, please consult the COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ and your healthcare provider.

Section 2: Personal Protective Equipment

2.0.0 Face Coverings

• Face masks are required in main events, dealer’s den, artist’s alley, gaming, headless, zoo, registration, charity, photography, panel rooms; whenever you are not wearing your fursuit head. Please remember to carry a mask with you at all times as you may wish to remove your fursuit head while in convention spaces.
• Masks may only be removed while seated and eating or drinking in designated areas or when having your photo taken in the Furcationland photo room.
• Everyone entering convention spaces over the age of two years old must wear a mask, regardless of any medically granted exceptions. Entry into convention spaces will be denied to anyone who cannot or will not wear a mask in compliance with this policy.

2.1.0 Face Covering Requirements

• Masks should have two or more layers of breathable material.
• Masks must fully cover the nose and mouth and be secured under the chin.
• Masks must fit snugly against the sides of the face.
• Masks must be secured with ear loops or bands behind the head and should stay in place without frequent readjusting.

2.1.1 Examples of approved face coverings

Approved face coverings consist of and are limited to:

• FDA-approved surgical masks consisting of 2 or more layers
• Cloth masks which match the requirements listed in § 2.1.0
• FDA-approved KF-94, N-95, KN-95, and N-100 masks without vents or with filtered vents
• NIOSH-approved masks identified on an FDA Emergency Authorization list

All masks are subject to inspection and approval by security staff.

2.1.2 Examples of inadequate face coverings

• Bandanas, face shields, food service shields, and neck gaiters
  • These do not fit securely around the mouth or under the chin.
  • These may be worn over the face in addition to an approved mask.
• Masks with exhalation valves, vents, or holes
  • Paint respirators and gas masks are good examples of items in this category
  • These masks do not prevent water droplets from being expelled.
  • These masks will be approvable if the holes, valves, or vents are filtered, disabled, or can be properly covered with two or more layers of breathable material.

Section 3: Vaccines & Testing

3.0.0 Vaccine and Testing Requirements

To attend Furcationland, all attendees 5 or older must present one of the following at badge pickup:

1. A vaccine record card or a photograph thereof showing the attendee’s first and last name, evidence of being Up to Date (see Definitions), and the manufacturers, lot numbers, and administration dates of each dose; OR
2. Proof of a negative PCR/rapid test administered by a healthcare provider within the last three days (see table in section 3.1.0). Tests must be FDA approved and must not be expired. At-home tests cannot be accepted at this time.

Furcationland recommends watching CDC guidelines and consulting your healthcare provider about receiving additional booster doses in order to maintain your protection.

3.1.0 Testing Validity Timeline

If I take my test on Monday then it is valid for badge pickup no later than Thursday.

If I take my test on Tuesday then it is valid for badge pickup no later than Friday.

If I take my test on Wednesday then it is valid for badge pickup no later than Saturday.

If I take my test on Thursday then it is valid for badge pickup no later than Sunday.