COVID‑19 Policy

With the US covid public health emergency having expired on May 11, 2023, the change in the availability of federally-funded COVID‑19 tests and vaccinations has led the Further Confusion leadership team to decide that it is no longer feasible to require vaccinations or testing to attend Further Confusion 2024.

We are still committed to prioritizing the health and safety of all attendees, vendors, and staff at our event. We have implemented the following guidelines and measures to help ensure a safe environment for everyone.

Please note that our COVID‑19 policy is subject to change based on evolving circumstances and public health guidance. We will communicate any updates or revisions to the policy through our official channels.

By attending the event, you acknowledge and accept the inherent risks associated with public gatherings during the COVID‑19 pandemic. We appreciate your understanding, cooperation, and commitment to keeping our community safe.

Here are some of the sources that helped us and can help you make a more informed decision:

• https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2023/02/09/fact-sheet-COVID-19-public-health-emergency-transition-roadmap.html
• https://www.kff.org/coronavirus-COVID-19/issue-brief/commercialization-of-COVID-19-vaccines-treatments-and-tests-implications-for-access-and-coverage/
• https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/bivalent-boosters-provide-better-protection-against-severe-COVID-19
• https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/safety-communications/home-COVID-19-antigen-tests-take-steps-reduce-your-risk-false-negative-results-fda-safety
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9111734/

Policy In Summary (TL;DR)

• Vaccinations are NOT required
• If you are sick, please stay home.
• Masks are required in:
  • Dealers Den
  • Art Show
• Fursuit lounges will be open
• Head drying fans will not be available. No fans may be used for head drying. Room fans will be in use.

— Policies —

Vaccination Encouragement:

• We strongly encourage all attendees, vendors, and staff to be up to date in their vaccinations against COVID‑19 prior to attending the event. Vaccination is a crucial step in preventing the spread of the virus and protecting yourself and others.
• We request that individuals who are eligible for vaccination and have not yet received it to consider doing so before attending the event.

Masking Guidelines:

• In order to provide an added layer of protection, we strongly encourage all attendees, vendors, and staff to wear masks or face coverings while inside the event venue.
• Masks will be available at designated stations throughout the event for those who may need them.
• While masking is strongly encouraged in all areas of the event, it will be mandatory in high traffic areas such as the Dealers Den and Art Show.
• Please ensure that masks or face coverings fully cover the nose and mouth.

Sanitation and Hygiene:

• Hand sanitizer stations will be available throughout the event venue, and we encourage frequent handwashing or use of hand sanitizer.
• Enhanced cleaning and sanitization protocols will be implemented for high-touch surfaces and common areas.

Social Distancing:

• Although social distancing guidelines may vary based on local regulations and health guidelines at the time of the event, we encourage participants to respect personal space and maintain a reasonable distance from others.
• Event organizers will monitor and implement any necessary adjustments to manage crowd density and flow.

Health Screening:

• We kindly ask all attendees, vendors, and staff to self-assess their health prior to attending the event. If you are experiencing any COVID‑19 symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID‑19, we urge you to stay home and prioritize your well-being.

Compliance and Cooperation:

• All participants, including attendees, vendors, and staff, are expected to comply with the event’s COVID‑19 policy and guidelines.
• Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in the individual being asked to leave the event premises.

Exemptions

In the interest of maximizing safety we are not accepting exemption requests. We will monitor changes in any official directions and update this policy as needed.

If you have asthma or a related medical condition you can remove your mask if you have a medical episode. Once the episode is resolved we ask you to wear the mask again. Feel free to reach out to a staffer if you need assistance.

FAQ

Are the COVID precautions in California the same as in my state?

Every state has differences both in law and in custom. If you are concerned about specific risks, we encourage you to check with a doctor and/or research the differences to determine if you feel comfortable attending.

Where can I see COVID‑19 statistics for San Jose, CA?

Further Confusion takes place in Santa Clara County, California

See Santa Clara County Public Health Dashboard

What will FC do to provide a safe environment during covid?

FC is closely monitoring and will stay in compliance with all US Federal, California State, and Santa Clara/San Jose local public health and safety ordinances and guidelines regarding COVID‑19 as relates to gatherings of our size and nature.

Will FC require masks? What about under fursuits?

Yes! Cloth or disposable masks as have been in general use during the pandemic will be required under fursuit heads in designated areas.

Fursuit heads themselves do not constitute a mask, nor does a fursuit head “wearing” a mask.

You must be properly masked at all times while in designated masking required areas of the convention unless eating or drinking.

Does this policy change for minors?

As we have seen in the news and official data, minors have become increasingly vulnerable to the new variants of COVID‑19, therefore minors will be required to follow all appropriate safety protocols as defined by the CDC.

Questions

If you have questions, please contact us via email at info@furtherconfusion.org.