U-Con 2022 COVID Policy Announcement

While no one can completely predict the future, it is clear that some variant of COVID-19 will be prevalent during U-Con 2022. We want to ensure that our attendees can participate and enjoy U-Con in an environment that is safe, especially for those that are at extra risk during this pandemic. We are choosing to be kind to those more vulnerable among us. 

Unfortunately, there are still people who are at risk from COVID, including those who have conditions which make them more likely to be affected by it and those who are unable to get vaccinated.  Even a minor COVID infection can cause a major problem to those without adequate financial or medical resources.  

Wearing a commercial, effectiveness-rated mask is the single most effective thing you can do to both protect yourself from COVID and avoid giving it to others.  In gaming terms, it adds a huge saving throw bonus.  Therefore, we will be requiring mask-wearing at U-Con.

Furthermore, vaccinations drastically reduce the risk of serious illness or hospitalization, and vaccinations which have been kept current have some effect on transmission as well.  Since we do not want to hold a super-spreader event, we will be requiring proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test within 72 hours as well.

Therefore, we are implementing a COVID Policy for U-Con 2022. We realize it is an extra burden, but under the circumstances it is an unfortunate necessity.

• Charles, 2022 U-Con Chair

U-Con 2022 COVID Policy

U-Con is committed to be a safe and enjoyable environment for as many attendees as possible. The following COVID Policy is in place for U-Con 2022.  For this year, it is part of our Conduct Policy and violations will be dealt with accordingly:

• Vaccination, with one or more booster shots, is required for all attendees.  Vaccination status will be verified at check-in. As an alternative to verified vaccination, attendees can supply a Negative PCR test result gathered within 72 hours of the start of U-Con. Such proof is required to get a U-Con 2022 attendee badge.
• Well-fitting surgical masks or N95/KN95/KF94 masks are required at all times in all U-Con spaces. Homemade masks are not allowed except as a covering for commercial certified masks. Specifics on allowed masks can be found in the FAQ.
• Masks are required at all times in all gaming spaces. You may remove them briefly to eat or drink, but we expect you to put the mask back on immediately.  If you need to eat or drink for an extended period, there is a space in the lobby by the concession area for that.  Don’t do it in a gaming space.
• If you have COVID-19 Symptoms, please stay home.  If these symptoms are due to normal allergies or are otherwise not unusual for you, do not count this toward your current new symptoms. If you do have such new symptoms at U-Con 2022, you will be asked to leave. The symptoms for COVID-19 are those listed by the CDC. 
• Outside of U-Con 2022 spaces, attendees may do as they deem appropriate. This applies to all the restaurants, bars, and other areas of the Marriott hotel that are not directly used by U-Con.

Because we know opinions vary on these topics, and we’re all gamers here, this is a good time to remind everyone of this language from the Conduct Policy: “Attempts to use the letter of a policy to defeat the purpose of the policy are unacceptable. Any pattern of behavior which is consistently barely within acceptable limits for individual actions is also unacceptable. In other words, do not be a rules lawyer.”

U-CON 2022 COVID Policy FAQ

Q: Specifically what type of masks are allowed?

A: Our policy is based on current CDC recommendations for mask use. However, because U-Con 2022 involves lengthy, intense interaction, we have decided to disallow cloth masks. This leaves surgical / procedure masks, and N95 masks. Additionally, because they are commonly available and nearly as effective, KF94 and KN95 masks are also allowed. N100 or P100 elastomeric respirators are also acceptable.

For more details and specific certifications (e.g. KN95, FFP2, etc ) see: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/types-of-masks.html

Q: What are considered symptoms for COVID-19

A: Please refer to the CDC Guidelines: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html

Q: How will vaccination/test status be checked?

A: We will make use of an available app that other conventions / groups use. The specific app is to be determined, and more information will be forthcoming.

Q: Will a masked / maskless field be added to game submissions and the game listings?

A: No. While this would make participation easier for those who want to go without masks, it would exclude those who need masks to be used from much of the convention. We have decided that in this case, those health and safety concerns take priority.

Further, creating a game listing and scheduling games for separate “masked” and “maskless” tracks would be an unacceptable additional burden on those who handle these already time-consuming tasks.

Q: Will masks be available at U-Con?

A: Yes, our intent is to have them available. However, we encourage people to bring their own masks and extras.