1. Overview, Enforcement, and Authority
Failure to follow this policy is a violation of the convention’s Code of Conduct. Violation of any of the guidelines in this policy may result in corrective action by Convention, Facility, or Hotel staff, potentially including revocation of your membership without a refund, removal from the premises, and/or involvement of local law enforcement, consistent with Section 1.3.3 of the Westercon Bylaws, which reads:
1.3.3 Restriction of Memberships
Each Westercon committee shall have the right to limit the activities of its attendees, either individually or in groups, insofar as such activities endanger, physically or legally, other persons or property. Such limitations may include, but are not limited to, closing down parties, ejecting persons from the Westercon, or turning offenders over to other authorities. No refund of membership need be given in such circumstances. Each member, in purchasing his/her membership, agrees to abide by these bylaws.
Due to the evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, this policy is subject to change.
Although the State of Nevada does not currently have a statewide mask mandate, guidance from the state says that the current statewide directive “…does not prevent an entity to require masks in settings they have jurisdiction in…” (sic)
2. COVID-19 Vaccination/Booster Requirement
For the protection of the health and safety of our members, all members must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including at least one booster shot for those persons eligible to receive one, such as those persons whose first or second original dose (depending on the vaccination type) was more than six months before the start of Westercon 74. This means you must have received all required COVID vaccination doses no later than 14 days prior to the day you arrive at Westercon 74 to allow them to reach full efficacy before arrival.
Members must present proof of vaccination (including at least one booster) at the convention registration desk in order to receive their membership badge, and attendees over the age of 18 must show a photo identification matching the name shown on the proof of vaccination. Members must wear their membership badge when accessing convention-controlled facilities including the Tonopah Convention Center and other function spaces.
While we encourage and recommend that people obtain and use COVID-19 self tests, testing is not a substitute for vaccination.
Unvaccinated persons, including anyone ineligible for vaccination, may not attend the convention.
3. Mask Requirement
When accessing convention-controlled facilities including the Tonopah Convention Center and other programming spaces, all members are required to wear as a face covering either an authentic N95, KN95, or KF94 mask or a surgical mask that covers both their nose and mouth whenever they are not actively eating or drinking. While surgical masks are acceptable, we strongly encourage all members to wear an N95, KN95, or KF94 face covering as these are superior to a surgical mask.
Plastic face shields or cloth face masks may only be used as supplemental covers worn on top of an N95, KN95, KF94, or surgical mask. See Project N95 for sources of legitimate authentic N95 and other protective wear. It is the responsibility of each attendee to acquire their own masks prior to the convention. In the case of unexpected or unusual circumstances, the convention will have a limited number of complimentary surgical masks for those members who have only a cloth mask, and will have a limited supply of DemeTECH N95 masks available for purchase at the convention for $5 while the supply lasts.
Gaiters, scarves, and bandanas, masks made of mesh or lace, ski masks, and masks with vents or exhalation valves are not allowed.
Masks must not contain a message that violates other elements of our code of conduct.
4. Food Handling and Hospitality Functions
Anyone engaged in food preparation, including volunteers in Hospitality and groups hosting hospitality functions, must maintain appropriate food-safety preparation precautions.
5. Additional Information
See our COVID Policy Frequently Asked Questions for additional information and elaboration about this policy.