COVID-19 Policies for Ponyville Ciderfest 2022
Updated 9/5/2022
The health and safety of everyone attending Ponyville Ciderfest 2022 is our top priority. We look forward to returning to the Hilton Milwaukee City Center on November 4-6th. We hope to see you there!
In addition to following all applicable laws and regulations, we are continuing to implement temporary policies this year to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 during the convention. While these policies will be enforced within the convention spaces, please note that these policies do not apply to other areas of the Hilton.
These policies have been added as an extension of our Attendee Rules & Code of Conduct, which are agreed to when your badge is purchased, and acceptance of which is required for attendance at PVCF22.
Summary
We continue to 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, it is possible that masking may be required in additional areas if the situation deteriorates by November. Regardless of changes, we will remain firmly committed to two principles:
1) PVCF will comply with all applicable federal, state, and local requirements and guidance.
2) PVCF 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 Milwaukee, 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) both Vendor Halls, (2) Kids’ Programming Events, and (3) Autograph Sessions and other Guest of Honor Events.
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. Rather than excluding those who cannot be vaccinated, 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 October 21, 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 all booster shots for which they are eligible, proof of boosters is not required because of the variation in the CDC’s booster recommendations based upon an individual’s age and health conditions.
2. Show a negative test result – NOTE THAT SOME EVENTS OR EXPERIENCES MAY BE UNAVAILABLE TO THOSE THAT ARE NOT FULLY VACCINATED. 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 November 2, 2022, when picking up their badges. Testing must be performed or overseen by a healthcare provider (including clinics, stand-alone testing sites, and online tele-health monitoring for self-administered home tests), and full test results with 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.
Ponyville Ciderfest 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@ponyvilleciderfest.com or our accounts on Discord, Facebook, or Twitter.
Mask Policy
While we encourage everyone attending Ponyville Ciderfest 2022 in person to wear tight-fitting, high-quality masks in crowded spaces to the extent possible, masks are required in the following areas:
– Both Vendor Halls
– Kids’ Programming Events
– Autograph Sessions and other Guest of Honor Events
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.
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@ponyvilleciderfest.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 Ponyville Ciderfest 2022 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 will also agree to a COVID-19 Risks and Responsibilities Acknowledgement requiring the following:
– Attendees acknowledge that a risk of infection with Covid-19 is inherent and unavoidable at Ponyville Ciderfest 2022.
– Attendees agree to obey all policies, signs, and staff directions relating to health and safety.
– Attendees agree not to attend Ponyville Ciderfest 2022 if they have reason to believe they are or may be infected with Covid-19 (whether or not symptomatic), including without limitation if they have been in close contact with any individuals known to be infected within 14 days prior to start of the convention.
– Attendees agree to leave Ponyville Ciderfest 2022 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 Ponyville Ciderfest 2022 at contact@ponyvilleciderfest.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 Ponyville Ciderfest 2022 may notify other attendees of the occurrence of a known or suspected infection.
More information regarding COVID-19 symptoms is available from the CDC at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html.
Conclusion
We understand that some of you may have concerns about these policies. 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@ponyvilleciderfest.com or on Discord, Facebook, or Twitter.
We look forward to a safe and fun con!
Sincerely, The PVCF22 Leadership Team