A message from the board and a copy of the updated Covid Safety Policy:

The Boards message about the June 2, 2023 Covid Policy Update-

In hopes of being more inclusive and accommodating to people in our community who have immune system conditions, we originally decided to follow the CDC’s latest recommendation and require that everyone over 6 who can to get a new bivalent booster.

With community feedback, we are changing our policy from a requirement to a request. Having this policy be a requirement has unintended consequences for some community members, and is a barrier to some people with disabilities. This is the opposite of our intent.

We are grateful for the community taking an active part in making this policy better serve our members. The safety policy now is we are requesting that community members follow the latest CDC guidelines, and get an updated bivalent booster, but we will require proof  only of being fully vaccinated, as was required last year.

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CNW COVID policy 2023

COVID-19 Safety Policy for Critical Northwest 2023

(last updated 2 June 2023)

To attend Critical Northwest, all participants ages 6 and older must provide proof of having received a complete COVID-19 vaccination series and one booster, or one updated (bivalent) dose:

Additionally, participants 6 and older must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test. The test must be taken within 8 hours prior to arrival at Gate.

Before the event, we ask and recommend that you:

• Receive the updated (bivalent) Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. The updated (bivalent) vaccine provides superior protection against modern COVID-19 variants and is recommended by the CDC.
• Avoid crowded public spaces in the week leading up to the event.
• Wear a close-fitting mask when indoors with others outside the home or in crowded public spaces in the week leading up to the event.
• If you had COVID-19 in the days and week prior to the event, please adhere to the guidelines outlined here (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/isolation.html) to determine when it is safe to attend.
• If you test positive for COVID-19 the week before coming to the event and are unable to transfer your ticket, the INW Board will roll over your ticket to the 2024 event if you do the following prior to 11:59pm on Wednesday July 12: Send an email to covid@ignitonnw.orgwith a photo of your positive COVID-19 test. Write your name and the date taken on the test.

During the event, we ask and recommend that you:

• Consider wearing a close-fitting mask when in confined or close spaces.
• Respect the wishes of others with regard to infection safety. For example, camps may post signs asking that unvaccinated people avoid entering their spaces or that all guests wear a mask.
• If you are at enhanced risk of complications of COVID-19, practice extra social distancing and entirely avoid confined spaces outside your camp.
• Extend your consent practices to open communication with others about infection safety. Don’t assume everyone else has the same tolerance of risk.

Should you become ill with COVID-19 during the event, please notify a ranger, medical tent staff, or anyone with a laminate and a radio. We will make efforts to help you get packed up and recover at home.

Thank you in advance for your efforts to help us make Critical Northwest as safe and inclusive as possible.

Vaccine exemptions may be made on a case-by-case basis on medical or religious grounds if supported by sufficient documentation from a physician or recognized clergy. To request an exemption, email board@ignitionnw.org. Requested documentation must be supplied by June 30, 2023.