Health and Safety Policies for Whinny City Pony Con 2023
Updated on 2023/03/20
The health and safety of everyone attending Whinny City Pony Con 2023 continues to be our top priority. To that end, we have updated the Health and Safety Policy for WCPC23 to reflect sensible, reasonable, and effective health and safety measures for everyone at our events. We look forward to returning to the Hyatt Regency Schaumburg on June 2-4th. We hope to see you there!
These policies are an extension of our Attendee Rules & Code of Conduct, acceptance of which is required for attendance at WCPC 2023.
Summary
The following policies are contingent upon the expected end on or around May 11, 2023, of the public health emergencies declared in March 2020 by the U.S. Federal Government and the State of Illinois relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. If the expected end of the public health emergencies do not occur by the start of June 2023, our policies will instead default back to what we had for Ponyville Ciderfest 2022 (https://ponyvilleciderfest.com/about/health-and-safety-policies).
Assuming the end of the COVID-19 pandemic public health emergency:
– WCPC 2023 will not require proof of vaccination or proof of negative test results. We continue to strongly encourage everyone to get all vaccines and boosters recommended for them based on their age and health conditions.
– WCPC 2023 will not generally require masking (with possible exceptions). Depending upon GoH and vendor preferences, masks may be required under certain circumstances detailed below. Masks will continue to be freely available throughout the convention for all those who want them.
The H&S Policy will be updated closer to the convention, but we will endeavor to remain as close to these policies as possible under the conditions as they exist at that time. We continue to be driven by the principles of will complying with all applicable federal, state, and local requirements and guidance and bringing you the best convention we can safely have.
Vaccination & Testing Policy
The vaccines developed and approved for inoculation against COVID-19 are some of the best tools available to protect against and limit the spread of the coronavirus, and we continue to recommend that everyone receive all vaccines and boosters appropriate for them. At this point in time, however, proof of vaccination or negative test results is not required for Whinny City Pony Con 2023.
Mask Policy
While we encourage everyone attending Whinny City Pony Con 2023 in person to wear tight-fitting, high-quality masks in crowded spaces to the extent possible, masks are not generally required to be worn at Whinny City Pony Con 2023. Masks will continue to be freely available throughout the convention for all those who want them.
There are a few possible exceptions to the general policy. Masks may be required under the following circumstances:
– Vendor Hall – Accepted vendors will be polled on their preference when they register for their booth space, and masks will be required in the Vendor Hall if ⅓ of vendors want the requirement to remain in place. Additionally, individual vendors may require masks to be worn by those stopping at their booths.
– Guest of Honor Events – Attendees at events involving close contact with GoHs (including autograph sessions, the sponsor dinner, and the GoH meet and greet) may be required to wear masks if requested by the GoHs.
– Symptomatic Individuals – WPCP 2023 reserves the right to require any individual displaying any kind of contagious symptoms during the convention (including, but not limited to, coughing, congestion, runny nose, sore throat, or fever) to wear a mask in all event spaces.
– Individual Panels/Events – Panel and other event hosts may continue to request that masks be worn for their own events, but these requests are not enforceable by WCPC 2023 volunteers. We expect all attendees to use reasonable judgment and be respectful of such requests, however.
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 under other circumstances, they are encouraged. Please remember that even vaccinated individuals and those who have recovered from 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 any areas or events 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 ensure you are comfortable doing so. We will not tolerate any harassment of anyone for wearing a mask anywhere in or outside the convention space.
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.
Sickness Policy & Risk Acknowledgement
For the health and well-being of all attendees, please do not attend Whinny City Pony Con 2023 if you are or have reason to believe you may be sick or infected with Covid-19. If you develop symptoms while at the convention, please self-quarantine and follow CDC guidelines for those who are or may be sick (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/index.html). By picking up their badges at registration, all attendees agree and certify they do not reasonably believe themselves (and any minors for whom they are responsible during the convention) to be infected with Covid-19 at such time.
Attendees also agree to a Covid Risks and Responsibilities Acknowledgement requiring the following:
– Attendees acknowledge that a risk of infection with Covid-19 is inherent and unavoidable at Whinny City Pony Con 2023.
– Attendees agree to obey all policies, signs, and staff directions relating to health and safety.
– Attendees agree not to attend Whinny City Pony Con 2023 if they have reason to believe they are or may be infected with Covid-19 (whether or not symptomatic), including following CDC guidance relating to self-isolation and other precautions following exposure or potential exposure (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/if-you-were-exposed.html).
– Attendees agree to leave Whinny City Pony Con 2023 immediately if they develop symptoms of Covid-19 or otherwise have reason to believe they are or may be infected with Covid-19.
– Attendees agree to notify Whinny City Pony Con 2023 at contact@whinnycity.com or via Discord, Facebook, or Twitter if they learn they have become infected with Covid-19 at any time during or within 14 days following the convention. Identity and personal information regarding the attendee will be held in strict confidence, but Whinny City Pony Con 2023 may notify other attendees of the occurrence of a known or suspected infection.
Conclusion
We understand that some of you may have concerns about these policies. We want 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 safe and fun con!
Sincerely, The WCPC23 Leadership Team