COVID-19 Policy FAQ

After we announced our required COVID-19 Policies on Nov. 15, 2021, we recieved numerous excellent questions. We’ve compiled them into this FAQ. This will be a “living document” and updated as applicable. Please check back for any new updates, or email our chair, Lithie at chair@confusionsf.org

Page Last Updated: Nov 20, 2021

General Questions:

QUESTION: If I arrive without proof of vaccination/negative COVID-19 test and/or a mask will I still be allowed to attend?
ANSWER: No. All members, regardless of vaccination or testing status, must provide the proof outlined in our policy, as well as be properly masked.

QUESTION: I paid for [Insert name here] badge, I want to pick it up with my own, can I?
ANSWER: No. Every registered member, regardless of who made payment, must show ID and Proof outlined in our policy.

QUESTION: At the end of ConFusion 2020, I paid for pre-registration to the next event. Has that pre-registration rolled over? If so am I required to provide proof as outlined?
ANSWER: Any member who purchased a pre-registration for 2021 ConFusion while at 2020 ConFusion is automatically rolled over and registered to attend 2022 Rising ConFusion. You will still be required to abide the Proof of vaccination/negative COVID-19 test when you arrive to pick up your badge.

PROOF OF VACCINATION:

QUESTION: Which vaccines are acceptable?
ANSWER: Any vaccine authorized in the country in which the vaccine was received, including authorization for emergency use, for human use as a COVID-19 vaccine is acceptable. Here is the CDC’s list of accepted vaccines.

QUESTION: What do I need to bring with me to provide Proof of Vaccination?
ANSWER: We will be accepting the same documentary proof that the CDC outlines here. Be advised, you must also show valid, government issued ID along with Vaccination Proof. We understand that at times, our members names may be different then what appears on legal documents. If this applies to you, email chair@confusionsf.org so we can work through this.

QUESTION: I was vaccinated “X” months ago. How recently do I have to have been vaccinated by?
ANSWER: Your last does of COVID-19 vaccine, be it a single series shot, or a double series shot, must have been given a full 14 days before the day you arrive to check-in and pick up your badge. You are considered fully vaccinated on the 14th day after the vaccination series was completed. For example, if your last dose was any time on October 1st, then October 15th would be the first day that you meet the 14-day requirement.
At the time of this FAQ compilation, a COVID-19 booster shot is not required, but HIGHLY reccomended.

QUESTION: Are the hotel employees required to show proof of vaccination or required to be vaccinated?
ANSWER: We reached out to the hotel directly. This was their response:

“Staff do not have to share with us if they are vaccinated because of privacy laws, it is not a Marriott requirement.But, we are required to wear masks at work.”

Sheraton Detroit Novi

QUESTION: Why are you requiring Proof of Vaccination or Proof of Negative COVID-19 Test within 72 hours of badge pickup while COVID-19 can still be spread or you can get COVID-19 while being vaccinated?
ANSWER: The simple answer is, because every step we take to mitigate risk to one another is the right thing to do. Members of the ConFusion Community, and around the world have died of COVID-19. Wearing masks, being vaccinated or showing proof of a negative COVID-19 test is the least we can all do to keep one another safe and still have an in person event.

Proof of Negative COVID-19 Test:

QUESTION: What types of COVID-19 Testing will be accepted?
ANSWER: Members must provide proof of a viral test (NAAT or antigen test). PCR and rapid antigen COVID-19 Tests are accepted. Please be sure to bring proof of your own negative test result, dated and time stamped. At home COVID-19 test results will only be accepted if there is a link to the results on an accredited medical platform that you can print or display on your phone.

QUESTION: What is the timeframe for acceptable testing?
ANSWER: The Date and Time Stamp of your COVID-19 test must be within 72 hours from when you arrive to check-in/pick up your badge. If you pick up your badge on Friday, the 21st, you must provide a negative COVID-19 Test dated no earlier then 72 hours before you arrive.

QUESTION: Are over-the-counter purchased, rapid response COVID-19 tests done by a member themselves accepted?
ANSWER: No. All proof of negative COVID-19 test results must be processed thru an accredited medical platform. At home saliva or swab tests , such as BinaxNOW (and other brands), with easy to read results will not be accepted.


MASKS:

QUESTION: What is your policy regarding people who do not properly wear their mask?
ANSWER: Our Mask mandate is part of our 2022 policies under our Code of Conduct. Any member not properly wearing their mask, will be violating our Code of Conduct. A member will be asked only one time to rectify the situation. Any further violations will result in revocation of your membership, with no refund.
For members age 17 and under, we will be contacting their Parent or Legal Adult to ensure their child/children/teen complies with our mask mandate.

QUESTION: How do I report someone in violation of the mask mandate?
ANSWER: You may report any violation directly to Ops. The Ops Desk is located directly across from Ballroom A, in the coat closet. You may also report a violation to any member of the ConCom, designated by the lanyards stating Concom.

QUESTION: We must wear a mask at all times unless actively eating or drinking?
ANSWER: Yes. Members must wear an approved Masks upon arrival and check in/badge pick up. Prior to the convention we will announce our approved areas for eating/drinking where members may remove their masks for such purposes. At no point will we accept members walking through the conventions spaces with food or drink, as an excuse not to wear a mask. If we work together, this should be no issue.

QUESTION: The convention I was at last month said masks could be removed by people speaking on panels, mostly to make it easier for the audience, particularly those who might be hard or hearing, to understand. Does ConFusion have a rule one way or the other about this aspect?
ANSWER:At this time, be prepared to wear your mask, be you presenter or audience member. We are working on a number of options such as clear masks, or possibly changing room set-ups, but we don’t have those answers yet. We will announce any changes to this policy publicly if such changes are made.

QUESTION: Do people have to wear their masks while in a room party?
ANSWER: Room Parties are not official events at Rising ConFusion. They are privately hosted parties held in the Guest Room of the Party Host. ConFusion does not control what a guest does in their room. We do require members to be fully and properly masked in hallways, elevators, stairwells and all convention spaces. If a member attends a room party, that member is responsible for donning their mask before exiting the party. We strongly advise members to wear a mask everywhere except whent hey return to their personal guest room.

QUESTION: What specifically does approved Mask mean? Are there face coverings not accepted?
ANSWER: An approved Mask must, at a minimum; fit properly and snuggly, fully covering your nose and mouth, and secure under your chin. 
Masks and Face Covering Not Permitted:

  • Masks with exhalation valves 
  • Face coverings, including bandanas, that are unable to be secured under your chin
  • Neck Gaitors
  • Masks with mesh materials
  • Masks which contain holes or are significantly damaged
  • Costume masks
  • Clear, open bottom, plastic face shields, only. (may be worn in conjunction with an approved mask)

QUESTION: Are the employees of the Sheraton Detroit Novi Hotel required to wear masks?
ANSWER: YES! Corporate policy states they must be masked. Please report any violations to Ops and we will ensure that it is handled.

QUESTION: Will the con be providing masks for people?
ANSWER: Due to the financial hardships all events have felt because of previous cancellations, we are unable to provide every member with multiple masks for the weekend. We will have a few masks available for emergencies, but members should arrive with the appropriate number of masks they feel they will utilize throughout the weekend.