COVID-19 Policy
We look forward to hosting you at Ohayocon. In order to promote safety, we are implementing the following policy about COVID-19. Agreement to this policy is included in your agreement to all convention policies when you register, and is pursuant to the COVID-19 Terms and Liability Waiver on the registration form. Like all of our policies, this is subject to change. We will do our best to leverage our media platforms to communicate changes.
If the CDC or another appropriate authority updates guidance related to COVID-19, we may amend this policy to accommodate such changes.
This policy applies to everyone present at Ohayocon, including but not limited to attendees, exhibitors, guests, volunteers, staff, and contractors.
(You can also read our COVID-19 Policy Questions & Answers resource.)
Requirements
In order to be admitted to and remain at Ohayocon, all attendees five years and older must provide either:
- proof of full vaccination at least two weeks prior to the day of arrival at the registration center, or
- proof of negative COVID-19 test administered by an appropriate, licensed medical professional within three days of arrival at the registration center.
Additionally, all attendees two years and older must wear an appropriate mask that covers the mouth and nose at all times.
Clarification: we are not requiring “booster” shots for our Jan. 2023 event. “Rapid tests” and PCR tests are both acceptable. Tests administered by pharmacists or pharmacy technicians are acceptable. Retail test kits that you buy off the shelf and administer yourself are not acceptable.
How to show proof
You can show proof on an original document, a photocopy, or an electronic device (as a photo or electronic paperwork). The name on the documentation must match the name on your ID (or a court order demonstrating your name has changed). You must show this when picking up your badge.
Table of dates & deadlines (Ohayocon 23)
To summarize, you need to meet the day of the deadline, but it doesn’t matter the exact time on the day that you get it done. If you have questions about this, please contact us.| Badge Pickup | Negative Test (taken on or after) | Last Vaccine (on or before) |
|---|---|---|
| Thurs. 1/19 | Mon. 1/16 | Thurs. 1/5 |
| Fri. 1/20 | Tues. 1/17 | Fri. 1/6 |
| Sat. 1/21 | Wed. 1/18 | Sat. 1/7 |
| Sun. 1/22 | Thurs. 1/19 | Sun. 1/8 |
Exceptions
Masks are not required for approved presenters when performing or presenting on a raised stage and at least six feet from all others.
If you believe you qualify for an individual exception for a documented medical reason, please contact us so we can refer you to our Accessibility Services department. You will still be required to meet as much of the Requirements section as possible. (For example, if you have an exception from being vaccinated, you will be required to show a negative COVID-19 test within three days of your check-in date.)
Becoming symptomatic during Ohayocon
If you become symptomatic at any time during Ohayocon, isolate yourself from others. If possible, we recommend returning home to self-isolate and seek medical care.
Symptoms of COVID-19 include:
- fever or chills
- cough
- shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- fatigue
- muscle or body aches
- headache
- new loss of taste or smell
- sore throat
- congestion or runny nose
- nausea or vomiting
- diarrhea
Resources
Questions & Answers
We have written a page of anticipated questions and answers that you can read.
How to get a replacement vaccination card
This article from the Cincinnati Enquirer explains how to replace your vaccination card if you live in Ohio, Kentucky, or Indiana.
Where to get vaccinated
You can find a vaccine provider via vaccines.gov.
General information about COVID-19 vaccines
You can find information about vaccines on the CDC website.
How to contact us
If you have questions about our policy, we invite you to use our contact page to send us a message.
Changelog
11/24/2021: “How to show proof” now reads: “You can show proof on an original document, a photocopy, or an electronic device (as a photo or electronic paperwork). The name on the documentation must match the name on your ID (or a court order demonstrating your name has changed). You must show this when picking up your badge.” We made this change in order to make it easier to show proof and to explicitly list the acceptable forms of proof, as well as to permit court orders for people whose names have changed since receiving proof-documentation.