Disappointed to see Gen Con requiring Covid-19 vaccination to attend the event this year, instituting an even stricter policy than last year. Bought 4 badges for my family to attend last year, which will be zero this year, and potentially zero in the future. Sad to see people in the gaming community being shut out of these events because they do not want the Covid-19 vaccine. Just wanted to my voice my opinion on that. Thank you.
I agree 1,000%. I was okay with the mask last year, though I KNOW it's a crock. On the other hand, I don't own an Army Surplus M40 Protective Mask, or the crate of filters I'd need for it for the weekend either. Nor would I want to wear it! =P (I served 2 months short of 22 years! I wore one often enough, Thank You!)
I'm Guessing they'll drop the "Vaccine" Requirement again like they did last year. Still not sure How they plan on screening 4K Plus people that want into the Exhibition Hall on Thursday Morning. =D
Well, it is up to Gen Con to decide what they want to do. But it's still a ways off and things could change. We will need to wait and see.
Grud, there are plenty of ways to get the 40k plus people into the ICC quickly (see what i did there). Event venues have been doing it for the last year. Just off the top of my head CLEAR is an app that are used in plenty of high volume locations. Yes this requires a smart phone but with the move to e-tickets this is going to become the norm (my parents are in their 90s and have no problem using a smartphone).
Also, there is the SMART QR code, these codes are in use in 17 states (at last check). This can be retrieved from the state public health department and printed out. The app to scan/verify the code is free (android/ios).
But I can see your point.
Just a blanket warning. The last topic in this vein got out of hand and the topic was locked.
To be clear it is way too early to know what our final policies will be and the issue is volatile on both sides.
Will keep this open for now...and see how it goes.
Mike
Thumbs up for the vaccination policy. Well done, Gen Con.
What's really unfortunate is that no matter what is done there will be a group of people/attendees who are feeling left out and unwelcome at the convention and that really sucks.
You get the idea.
But, while all that is true (and more). I do have one thing that I feel we can all agree upon.
We need a better way to stop the spam!
This has been your moment of zen -- John Oliver
Burrfoot makes the most important point. Everyone should be welcome, regardless of their personal choices.
I also agree with the statement that there are many months until the con. Many countries are dropping all of their COVID restrictions (and vaccination requirements) right now. It is very likely that the situation will have changed by August, and as such, that this policy might change. It is what it is currently, but it could easily be different by the time of the con.
You can always purchase a badge now and refund later, if necessary.
Actually, if you look at the Pfizer data that was submitted to the CDC (when they were requesting approval of their vaccine) their own studies showed that vaccinated and unvaccinated both shed virus at the same rate. So there is no different risk of being infected whether you are in a crowd of vaccinated or unvaccinated people.
Also, if you are truly worried about being infected, wearing a *sealed* KN95 mask will protect YOU, regardless of the people with whom you surround yourself.
"In conclusion, prior to the emergence of the Delta variant, we found that SARS-CoV-2 Ct values were significantly higher following vaccination among healthcare workers. This report contributes to the emerging body of evidence suggesting lower SARS-CoV-2 viral shedding following vaccination. Our data support the idea that people who develop SARS-CoV-2 infections after vaccination have reduced transmissibility."
Ok people, this back and forth serves no purpose. We are not going to agree on the facts. This is the road the other post that was locked went down.
Not going to repeat this again.
Gen Con will make decisions based on what we feel is the best course.
Your health and safety remain our top priority as we plan for this year’s convention, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic requires that we continue to implement enhanced safety procedures to keep everyone as safe as possible.
That's where we are right now.
Gencon,
Just please look at the real data. I work for a large hospital system, I am double vaccinated + booster, and just spent the last 8 weeks watching over 50% of our employees test positive. And we are a health system that had 100% vaccination for all employees. I'm totally fine with unvaccinated people at the same table with me.