DeCON is a community, and the safety and wellbeing of our community is paramount. We believe that the best way to promote the wellbeing of all of humanity is to follow the science in keeping people healthy. To this effort, it has been decided that All attendees must be vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to attend the convention.
Proof of completed COVID-19 vaccination is MANDATORY.
For all attendees, your documentation needs to be directly from the healthcare provider that completed your vaccination, and you can display your proof as a photograph on your smartphone, showing the Registration team proof through ImpactSIIS, or by presenting a physical copy of your vaccination card. You will need proof of vaccination to pick up your badge at Registration. Completed vaccination means that you have obtained the maximum number of injections required by your vaccine choice by January 1, 2022. This will allow for the minimum number of days after injection before your vaccination is fully effective. Please see below for a more detailed timeline.
Anyone 18 years or older must also present a government-issued ID such as driver’s license or passport that matches the name on your vaccination record.
Face Coverings
COVID-19 vaccines are an important tool to help stop the pandemic, but they don’t mean we can stop taking all precautionary measures. Properly worn masks covering nose and mouth are required for all convention members and guests in all convention spaces, except when actively eating or drinking while stationary.
Proper use of approved masks in all convention spaces is MANDATORY.
Appropriate facial coverings must be worn by all attendees over 2 years of age in all convention spaces, including hallways.
*per local guidelines, masks must be worn at all times in public spaces.
Enforcement: Staff will be trained to watch for appropriate use of masks. If an attendee is found to not be wearing a mask or wearing it inappropriately, Staff will give a verbal warning and will visibly mark the badge of this person. If a second infraction occurs, Staff will inform the attendee that they must leave the convention space, visibly mark the badge a second time, and confiscate the badge. The badge will be turned into Operations and the person will not be allowed to purchase a new badge. Two (2) visible marks on the badge will be equivalent to no badge at all.
If you should fall ill before the event and become unable to attend, a full refund or rollover of your badge will be provided. Let us know by sending an e-mail to decon.preregis@gmail.com
This policy is a living document and will be regularly updated with the latest guidance from the local, state, and federal levels as they pertain to our event.
The FAQ:
Q: What do I need to show proof of vaccination?
A: Attendees will be asked to show proof of full vaccination from an F.D.A. or W.H.O. approved vaccine on their smartphone, the app ImpactSIIS, or through a physical copy when you pick up your badge at the Registration desk along with an appropriate ID matching the name on the documentation.
For all attendees, your documentation needs to be directly from the healthcare provider that performed the vaccination, and you can display your proof on your smartphone or present a physical copy.
Anyone 18 years or older must also present a government-issued ID such as driver’s license or passport. Those younger than 18 may use a government-issued ID, birth certificate, social security card, school ID, or locally-issued ID.
We accept proof of vaccination of any vaccine approved by the World Health Organization.
Q: How will my information submitted to the form be handled by DeCONpression 18?
A: Information uploaded to the form is only accessible by the bare minimum number of people needed to verify your vaccination status. All information and access to the data storage will be permanently deleted after the close of DeCONpression 18.
Q: Do I need to show my proof of vaccination through the form?
A: No, you can show your proof of vaccination at the time of picking your badges up at the convention. However, picking up your badges will be faster and easier if submitted ahead of time. This will give us time to process the information and make sure your information is up to date and reduce delays.
Q: What is the last day I can start my vaccine series?
A: Depending on which brand of vaccine you choose, your last injection needs to be received by January 1st to be considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by the start of DeCONpression 18. If you choose the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, you will need to receive your first injection by December 1st. This should allow enough time to receive your second dose by January 1st and thus meet the full vaccination requirement to attend the convention. If you are receiving the Johnson & Johnson one-dose vaccine, you will need to to receive your injection by January 1st.
Q: Will I be required to get the booster shot?
A: While not currently required to attend DeCON, it is recommended by the CDC for all adults who received their initial doses of Pfizer or Moderna at least six months ago to receive a booster shot. If you received the single dose of Johnson & Johnson, it is recommended you receive your booster shot at least two months after your initial dose.
You can find more information about the booster shots here: https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/covid-19-vaccination-program
Q. What if I am not healthy enough/eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine?
A. Please consult your physician for information regarding vaccine safety and your safety in being in public spaces. We have determined that vaccinations are required for every attendee that can be vaccinated as covered by an authorization or EUA for the COVID-19 vaccine. If you are not eligible for vaccination and are over the age of the current covered groups, it may not be best for you to be in the crowded spaces of DeCON. We are sorry to say that you will not be able to attend this year. We look forward to seeing you in person at DeCONpression 19.
Q: I am an international traveler. What do I need to know before coming to DeCON?
A: Please ensure that you have reviewed any advisories or restrictions that may be in place for travel to the United States and for travel to Ohio, including Columbus.
Q: What if I cannot find my vaccination card?
A: Please contact your vaccination provider or your local health department for a replacement card. We cannot make exceptions for lost cards.
Q: I have personal concerns about receiving the COVID-19 vaccine or do not agree that COVID-19 is a threat to my health.
A: While we are a science-fiction convention, the science says the best way we can protect our attendees this year is by being vaccinated. Regardless of personal reasons or feelings about the COVID-19 vaccination or COVID-19, those who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will not be able to attend DeCONpression 18 in-person. We will hopefully see you next year!
Q: I still have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine!
A: If you still have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, we recommend visiting the CDC’s page Myths and Facts About COVID-19 Vaccines for more information.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/facts.html
Q: What type of face coverings are accepted?
A: A mask should completely cover your nose and mouth with material that can effectively filter droplets and aerosolized particles. It should fit snugly against the sides of your face without gaps. Nose wires are recommended to improve fit, and multiple layers are generally more effective. Face shields are not an acceptable alternative to masks, although they can be worn in addition to masks if you desire. For more information on masking, please visit the CDC Guide to Masks. Gaiters, bandanas, and face shields are not considered appropriate facial coverings.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html
Q: Can I be exempt from wearing a mask for health reasons?
A: Per the CDC, most people with underlying medical conditions can safely wear a mask. As such, we will not be making exemptions to this rule, except when actively eating or drinking while stationary. We encourage you to work with your medical professionals to try and find a style of masks that works for you before the convention. If you feel you are unable to comply with any portion of this policy, we ask that you stay home.
Q: Will there be exceptions to the mask policy for musicians or performers?
A: We are aware of the level of difficulty that masks add for musicians and performers. At the time of this writing, we are exploring options but there are no one-size-fits all solutions.
Q: What if I lose or break my mask?
A: DeCON advises bringing multiple masks to the convention, and having a second mask in your pocket or purse at all times for back-up.
