Information Regarding COVID-19

Information Regarding COVID-19

** UPDATED ON APRIL 28, 2022 **

There have been many variants of COVID-19 over the past two years.  It is estimated that 60% of Americans have had COVID-19 and millions have received 1 to 4 vaccinations.  Please keep in mind that both natural infection and vaccinations do not result in long lasting immunity but may impact the severity of the disease.  Many have had COVID-19 more than once.

Wilkes County, North Carolina currently has a very low incidence of COVID-19; therefore, there is no mandate in place for masking.  Given the fact that participants will be traveling from cities where COVID-19 cases may be becoming more common, masks will be available to anyone who would feel more comfortable wearing them. Please feel free to wear a mask if you wish, especially if you are at risk for complications from COVID-19.

  • Proof of vaccination will not be required for the event.
  • Hand sanitizing stations will be available in various locations.  Please continue to use sanitizer regularly.
  • The facility will be kept clean and every precaution taken.  We will have separate boxed meals both for breakfast and lunch.  Dinner will be served by catering staff so utensils will not be shared.
  • If you are ill with symptoms suggestive of COVID-19, you may not be able to attend the event.  Please make every effort to ensure everyone is protected and safe.  There are effective treatments available for COVID-19 and work best when used early.
  • A list of nearby medical facilities will be provided with your welcome packet.

CDC RECOMMENDS:

Close contact is defined as someone who was less than 6 feet away from an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or move over a 24-hour period.

If not vaccinated and exposed:

  • Watch for symptoms for 10 days and avoid travel
  • Quarantine and stay away from others when you have been in close contact with someone who has had COVID-19 for at least 5 days
  • Wear a mask
  • Get tested ASAP if symptoms develop or on day 5 if no symptoms
  • May need a second test if symptoms persist, especially with at home tests

If vaccinated (2 vaccines with booster) and exposed:

  • Monitor for 10 days and wear a mask
  • No quarantine
  • You do not need to stay home unless you develop symptoms
  • Even if you don’t develop symptoms, get tested at least 5 days after you last had close contact with someone with COVID-19
  • If you develop symptoms, isolate immediately and get tested.  Continue to stay home until you know the results.  Wear a well-fitting mask around others.

If exposed to COVID-19 and had a confirmed test within the past 90 days (you tested positive using a viral test):

  • Watch for symptoms for 10 days and wear a mask
  • No quarantine
  • You do not need to stay home unless you develop symptoms
  • If you develop symptoms, isolate immediately and get tested.  Continue to stay home until you know the results and wear a well-fitting mask around others.  Wear a well-fitting mask for 10 full days any time you are around others inside your home or in public.  Do not go to places where you are unable to wear a well-fitting mask.  Avoid being around people who are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19.

Ending isolation if you had symptoms:

  • End isolation after 5 full days if you are fever-free for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication) and your symptoms are improving.

Ending isolation if you did NOT have symptoms:

  • End isolation after at least 5 full days after your positive test.

If you became very sick from COVID-19 or have a weakened immune system, you should isolate for at least 10 days. Consult your doctor before ending isolation.

** UPDATED ON APRIL 28, 2022 **

 

The situation with COVID is ever changing and we hope that the worst is now over; however, no one can see into the future.  The bottom line is that we are going to hope and pray for the best but be prepared for the worst and that means preparing you to be ready for any restrictions which may be in place.

So, what are some things you need to think about to be prepared just in case the worst happens?

  1. You may be asked to wear a mask.
  2. You may be asked to show a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours of arrival.
  3. You may be asked to check your temperature each day.
  4. You may be asked to show proof of having had COVID (Doctor’s note, antibody test or positive COVID test).
  5. You may be asked to show proof of vaccination.
  6. You may be asked to comply with alternative seating arrangements.
  7. If you’re not feeling well, you may be asked to abstain from attending workshops, activities, meals, etc. 

Also, at the request of any of our cast members, any one or more of the following may potentially take place:

  • Photo and autograph sessions may need to be eliminated;
  • Photo and autograph sessions may need to be restricted to vaccinated attendees only;  
  • Photo and autograph sessions and any other appearance by the cast members may need to be “contactless” – meaning no physical contact with the cast member. 
  • Social distancing (6 feet or more) may need to be abided by and a mask may need to be worn whenever in a cast member’s presence.
  • Any other restriction the cast member requests.

** NOTE:  By purchasing a ticket, you agree that you have read and agree to these protocols in the event they are required to be put in place.