Novice Invitational Safety Policy Mask Update – 2/23/22
Our complete safety policy is stated below this update.
As per our policy that was posted 2/7/22: Novice Invitational reserves the right to make changes to the Safety Protocols as we in our sole discretion deem appropriate. We will continue to monitor the COVID positivity rate in Houston and all appropriate numbers as we get closer to the event weekend and will let everyone know if anything changes in response to this ever-changing situation. We ask that you bear with us as changes & updates are made.
Mask Requirements
As we move closer to the weekend of the Novice Invitational, we are defining the mask requirement. The requirement will be to wear masks during contests (for both competitors and spectators) and during all workshops. This will cover the times that the attendance in the ballroom is the highest and therefore the risks is the greatest. While we would prefer to follow CDC guidelines that you wear masks at all times for the remainder of your time in the ballroom, we realize this is an individual choice based on your own personal safety. We strongly support individuals who choose to wear a mask anytime throughout their stay.
As we continue to watch the positivity numbers for our area and COVID numbers in general we will continue to refine our requirements.
These are the current CDC guidelines for the Omicron variant
- Wear a mask with the best fit, protection, and comfort for you.
- If you are not up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines and are aged 2 or older, you should wear a mask indoors in public.
- In general, people do not need to wear masks when outdoors. In areas of substantial or high transmission, people might choose to wear a mask outdoors when in sustained close contact with other people, particularly if
- They or someone they live with has a weakened immune system or is at increased risk for severe disease.
- They are not up to date on COVID-19 vaccines or live with someone who is not up to date on COVID-19 vaccines.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is weighing new COVID-19 guidance, including on when to wear face masks per CDC Director, Rochelle Walensky, adding that hospital capacity will be a key metric. The CDC expects many of the revised guidelines will be issued in late February or early March, around the same time mask mandates in several states are lifted.
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Novice Invitational Safety Policy
Texas law prohibits businesses from requiring customers to provide documentation certifying a COVID vaccination. The law also provides that a business may implement COVID screening and infection control protocols. These protocols that are being implemented have been reviewed by legal counsel and are best practices safety guidelines based on the recommendations of the CDC and other health professionals.
In this ever-changing environment of the COVID pandemic and following the guidance of authorities in the health community as well as based on numerous discussions with other Event Directors, Novice Invitational is updating its Health & Safety Protocol as follows:
Safety Protocols
1) Every person participating at Novice Invitational must provide Novice Invitational staff with a valid negative COVID test as a condition for participation at Novice Invitational. This requirement can be satisfied by the following: a) a negative PCR test within 72 hours of arrival or b) a negative rapid antigen test taken and verified the day you arrive at the event. If you take the rapid antigen test at home, you must provide a date/time-stamped picture of the test that includes a photo ID.
2) Due to the known higher viral load in unvaccinated persons according to research studies, all unvaccinated attendees and those unwilling to show proof of vaccination will be required to provide Novice Invitational staff with a negative rapid antigen test on a daily basis as a condition for continued participation at Novice Invitational.
3) Masks will be required during contests (for both competitors and spectators) and during all workshops. This will cover the times that the attendance in the ballroom is the highest and therefore the risks are the greatest. While we would prefer to follow CDC guidelines that you wear masks at all times for the remainder of your time in the ballroom, we realize this is an individual choice based on your own personal safety. We strongly support individuals who choose to wear a mask anytime throughout their stay.
Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the event space as well as the hotel common areas, and frequent hand washing is highly encouraged.
Finally, if you are not feeling well or begin to experience signs of illness while at the event, please contact a member of the staff ASAP. We will work with you to get you rapid antigen tested quickly. If you are found to be positive, we will process an appropriate credit up to a full refund of your pass.
Updates: Novice Invitational reserves the right to make changes to the Safety Protocols as we in our sole discretion deem appropriate. We will continue to monitor the COVID positivity rate in Houston and all appropriate numbers as we get closer to the event weekend and will let everyone know if anything changes in response to this ever-changing situation. We ask that you bear with us as changes & updates are made.
Note: While rapid antigen tests are increasingly being made available for free through various programs and agencies, it is not unusual for there to be periodic issues with availability due to supply & demand considerations. We recommend that you purchase rapid antigen test kits in advance of your arrival for yourself (and maybe even bring an extra for yourself and/or a friend). For any attendee that does, in fact, test positive and cannot enter the event, we will refund the cost of your pass.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact noviceinvitational@gmail.com.