Play On Con 2024 Frequently Asked Questions About COVID

 
 

updated June 9, 2024

Play On Con is looking to the CDC to provide guidance for our 2024 event. In order to support the safety of our attendees, including a number of regulars who are immunocompromised, we’ve made the following decisions. The below answers could change if exceptional circumstances arise, but they’re what we plan to do as of now (see the date above).

What is Play On Con’s COVID policy for on-site attendance in 2024?

  1. PCR Testing Requirement

    • Unless granted an exception by Play On Con management during pre-registration, each convention attendee will be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test in order to complete on-site check-in.

    • The test must be a NAAT/PCR test, conducted by a professional lab which follows FDA requirements, and it must show a negative result for the registrant within 72 hours of check-in time. At-home tests will not be considered as valid for entry.

    • Any fees for this testing will be the responsibility of the registrant. Any registrants who fail to provide a negative test as described here, and who are not granted an exception by Play On Con management, will not be allowed to attend Play On Con 2024 and will forfeit any payments made for such attendance.

    • This test requirement applies to all participants above 2 years old, in alignment with current health recommendations.

  2. Vaccination Exception

    • We understand the importance and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccination in reducing the spread of the virus and protecting public health.

    • Exceptions for the above testing requirement will be granted to registrants who choose to provide proof of full initial series vaccination during the pre-registration process. Acceptable proof includes a vaccination card or digital record. Past attendees for whom we already have such proof on file will not need to send it to us again.

  3. Booster Shot Recommendation

    • While not mandatory for the exception process described above, we strongly encourage all convention participants to stay completely up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations, including receiving booster shots when eligible.

    • Boosters enhance immunity and provide added protection against COVID-19 variants, contributing to a safer environment for all attendees.

    • While guidelines sometimes change, boosters typically are recommended every 6 to 12 months, depending on individual status and health needs.

  4. How to Send Proof

    • Each email address used to make purchases in our POC Shop will receive an email from our Operations team shortly before this year’s convention, and instructions will be provided therein. Our primary email address for our Operations team is operations@playoncon.com, but please note that we may also send/reply to you from a Gmail address such as PlayOnCelestine at Gmail. Please be sure to check your spam folder periodically to make sure you haven’t missed us!

    • If you expect to attend POC 2024 on-site and have not received an email from Operations with specific instructions for this by June 30, please contact operations@playoncon.com by no later than July 4, 2024 to request your instructions.

  5. Special Circumstances

    • We will also consider other situations for testing exceptions on a case by case basis (Ex: you have met a different country’s vaccination standards). To discuss any such special circumstances, please email operations@playoncon.com.

  6. No Walk-In Registration

    • There will be no walk-in registration, and no day passes will be offered. The only way to become an on-site attendee for Play On Con 2024 is to register online beforehand and to provide the negative test, or to be made exempt from it, as described above.

  7. Health and Safety Protocols

    • In addition to testing and vaccination requirements, Play on Con requests that any guest who has had recent exposure to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or who may be experiencing any symptoms of illness be considerate of other guests for their safety.

    • This includes taking a test to verify your status, utilizing a mask while interacting with others, or possibly just staying home.

  • By adhering to this policy, we can collectively contribute to a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone at Play on Con. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding to support our ongoing efforts to make Play on Con safer for our most vulnerable and immunocompromised members.

  • If you have any questions or concerns regarding our COVID-19 policy for attendance, please don't hesitate to contact us at operations@playoncon.com

Are any accommodations available for me if I cannot or do not comply with this year’s COVID policy? 

Yes! For those who don’t meet our on-site requirements, POC will be offering a concurrent online experience free of charge. 

Will masking be required to attend any on-site convention events? 

No. However, we do ask that all on-site attendees carry a mask with them at all times in case of circumstances that call for it. We will have a few tables and/or other designated areas specifically for masked attendees, and we expect everyone to be very supportive of those who continue to mask, but there will be no on-site convention events which are closed to unmasked attendees. We may ask everyone to mask up during check-in, or for non-convention activities like walking through the cafeteria line.

Will social distancing be required in convention space?

No. The CDC no longer recommends remaining 6 feet apart for safety purposes.

What about hotel staff or other non-attendees on the property? Will they all be following our policy?

No other groups will be scheduled to be on property during our event dates, and we know that many 4-H staffers are already fully vaccinated. We cannot guarantee that all 4-H staffers will be vaccinated, however, and we also cannot guarantee that some random outsider won’t walk into the lobby. We recommend looking for a convention badge to confirm who’s with us.

I’d prefer to remain outside. Will there be things for me to do?

Yes! In addition to summer camp activities such as archery and canoeing, we’ll also have some outdoor programming, outdoor parties, and outdoor gaming tables. You won’t be able to do everything outdoors, but you’ll be able to do a lot!

Does the Alabama “Vaccine Passport” Ban affect Play On Con operations?

No. We’ve consulted with multiple Alabama attorneys, and we’ve confirmed that our approach for this year is valid. Please direct any further questions around this to operations@playoncon.com.