Health and Safety Policies for Whinny City Pony Con 2022

Updated on 05/27/2022

These policies have been added as an extension of our Attendee Rules & Code of Conduct, which are agreed to when your badge is purchased.

After two years of virtual fun, we look forward to returning to holding Whinny City Pony Con 2022 in person at the Hyatt Regency Schaumburg on June 3-5th. We hope to see you there!

We continue to closely monitor the latest COVID-19 data, and the following policies are subject to change as conditions evolve. While we will not remove the vaccine/test requirements set today, it is possible that masking may be required in additional areas if the situation deteriorates by June. Regardless of changes, we will remain firmly committed to two principles:

1) WCPC will comply with all applicable federal, state, and local requirements and guidance.

2) WCPC will strive to bring you the best convention we can safely have.

Based on the current and expected conditions in the U.S. and in the Chicagoland area, everyone attending the convention will be required to provide either (1) proof of vaccination or (2) a current negative test result when picking up their badge. While we do not currently plan to require attendees to wear masks in all convention spaces, masks will be required for (1) the vendor hall, (2) children’s events, and (3) autograph sessions.

Vaccination & Testing Policy

The vaccines developed and approved for inoculation against COVID-19 are some of the best tools available to limit the spread of the coronavirus. However, the vaccines are not currently approved for all populations. Rather than excluding those who cannot be vaccinated at this time, all attendees will be required to select from one of the following two options before receiving their badge:

1) Show proof of vaccination – Attendees may verify they are fully vaccinated by presenting proof of full vaccination at registration when picking up their badges, with the last shot no later than May 20, 2022. Either physical or electronic copies of documentary proof from the administering healthcare provider will be accepted (e.g., physical vaccination card, digital photo or screenshot, or electronic verification systems such as the Illinois Vax Verify system). All records must clearly show the name of the vaccinated individual and the dates of each shot. Proof of vaccination must also clearly show the vaccinated individual has received one of the vaccines approved by the FDA or WHO. Proof of prior COVID-19 infection and recovery will not be accepted as an alternative to proof of vaccination. While we strongly encourage everyone who is eligible to get a booster shot, proof of a booster is not required.

OR

2) Show a negative test result – Attendees may provide a negative test result from an antigen (also known as a rapid test) or PCR (also known as a lab test) COVID-19 test taken on or after June 1, 2022, when picking up their badges. Testing must be performed by a healthcare provider (including clinics and stand-alone testing sites), and full test results and the name of the tested individual must be visible. Either physical or electronic copies of test results from the health care provider will be accepted (e.g., physical test report or digital photo or screenshot). Notification SMS text messages will not be accepted as an alternative to full test results from a testing health care provider. Self-certification will not be accepted as an alternative to test results. (NOTE: A report from a telehealth service using an FDA-approved at-home test is acceptable as a negative test result if it meets the following standards established for air travel: the telehealth service must confirm your identity, provide real-time remote supervision of the test, and issue a report of the negative test result.)

Whinny City Pony Con will treat all health-related information provided as confidential and will not retain copies of such information.

Questions regarding this Vaccination & Testing Policy should be directed to contact@whinnycity.com or our accounts on Discord, Facebook, or Twitter.

Mask Policy

While we encourage everyone attending Whinny City Pony Con 2022 in-person to wear tight-fitting, high-quality masks in crowded spaces to the extent possible, masks are required in the following areas:

1) Vendor Hall
2) Children’s Events
3) Autograph Sessions

Further areas or events may be added to this list if there is a significant further increase in COVID-19 prior to the convention. While masks are not required in other areas, they are encouraged. Please remember that even vaccinated individuals and those who have recovered from a previous infection can be infected with COVID-19. Additionally, please be considerate of others around you who may be immunocompromised or may live with others who are immunocompromised or cannot get the vaccine.

For areas requiring masking, masks and other face coverings must fit snugly against the wearer, must cover all airways (i.e., must be worn over the nose), and must be consistent with CDC guidelines. Information about masks and proper usage can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html. 

The following types of masks and face coverings are not acceptable for any area requiring a mask due to insufficient ability to reduce transmission of the coronavirus: masks with unfiltered exhalation valves or vents; face shields without a separately compliant mask underneath; costume/cosplay masks that do not substantially filter airflow (including fursuit heads without a separately compliant mask underneath); mesh masks or masks with damage or visible holes; neck gaiters (unless folded into two or more layers); and bandanas.

We will have a supply of free masks available for attendees and encourage their use. For those that choose to wear a mask for whatever reason, we promise to uphold our Anti-Harassment Policy to make sure you are comfortable doing so. We will not tolerate any harassment of anyone for wearing a mask anywhere in or outside the convention space, or for not choosing to wear one where they are not required.

Questions regarding the mask policies or requests for accommodations due to disabilities that interfere with compliance with this Mask Policy should be directed to contact@whinnycity.com or our accounts on Discord, Facebook, or Twitter. If an exception is granted, alternative protective measures may be required for areas requiring masks.

We understand that some of you may have concerns about these decisions. We would like to reiterate that in the event of a further significant increase COVID-19 before the convention, we will reexamine this policy and respond accordingly.

If you have any questions, please let us know at contact@whinnycity.com or our accounts on Discord, Facebook, or Twitter.

We look forward to a fun and safe con!