This is our final policy. What you see here is what will be required for BLFC 2022. No further changes will be made before or during the convention.
These are BLFC’s policies for the June 2022 convention.
TL;DR
- Vaccinations are required
- Boosters are required unless recently vaccinated, see below
- You will need to sign a COVID-19 specific liability waiver
- Masks are required
- Masks are required under fursuit heads
- 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.
Vaccination
To attend Biggest Little Fur Con 2022, one of the following two situations MUST be true:
Option 1 - Vaccinated & Boosted
You have completed an initial vaccine series and have received at least one booster. The CDC considers boosters to be effective immediately, so there is no additional date restriction. A second booster is not required.
Option 2 - Recently Vaccinated
You have completed an initial vaccine series within the timeframe listed below.
| Pfizer or Moderna (mRNA) | Johnson & Johnson / Janssen |
|---|---|
| Last vaccine dose received between November 1st, 2021 and May 19th, 2022 |
Vaccine received between February 1st, 2022 and May 19th, 2022 |
Proof of vaccination will be required at registration to purchase or pick up a badge.
Proof of Vaccination
For United States residents, we will accept:
- Physical CDC card
- Photo of CDC card
- Photocopy of CDC card
- Digital vaccine record approved by your home state which displays the following information:
- Your Legal Name
- Vaccine Brand
- Vaccination Dates
Please note that we will not accept QR codes as proof of vaccination. You must be able to display the information listed above in plain text on your device.
For international attendees, please bring the document your country uses to record proof of vaccination, or a picture or copy of that document.
Any COVID-19 vaccine governmentally approved for use in your home country will be accepted.
Masking
Masks are required at all times in convention spaces, including while in a fursuit.
Balaclavas, items made of thin & stretchy materials, and single-layer cloth masks are not acceptable in any circumstance.
Exemptions
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), you may request one of the following exemptions. Exemption requests must be due to medical reasons. No other exemptions will be considered.
- Exemption from vaccination.
- Exemption from booster.
To apply for a vaccination exemption:
- Please read and complete the Vaccine Exemption Form and email to vax@goblfc.org.
- Exemption requests must be received by May 2nd, 2022.
- Your exemption request will be reviewed, and you will be contacted by email with further information. You may be asked to provide a letter from a medical professional and/or other documentation.
- If your exemption is granted, you must make plans to get a COVID-19 test, administered by a medical professional, no earlier than May 30th, 2022.
- Tests are commonly available from state health departments and major pharmacies.
- Remember to plan ahead for your test!
- Bring the following to the convention, which we will collect:
- A signed paper copy of your exemption form.
- A paper copy of your negative test result dated May 30th, 2022, or later.
There is a PDF version of the above policies available here.
FAQ
Why are medical exemptions being allowed?
Legal counsel has advised us that we are required to provide medical exemptions to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We expect to see very few exemptions.
Why is a liability waiver required?
We normally have a liability waiver for every year connected to registration. However, for this year legal counsel recommended that we include an additional COVID liability waiver. We will have it available on site at registration, but you are welcome to print your own copy and bring it with you.
Are the COVID precautions in Reno 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 Reno?
Please see the Washoe County COVID-19 dashboard.
Will there be unvaccinated people outside of con space?
Yes. Please remember the rest of the hotel, elevators, hallways, casino, restaurants, and other activities are open to the public and we can’t control who will be present. Masks are the most effective protection.
Will there be unmasked people outside of con space?
Yes. The Grand Sierra Resort and Casino has ended their masking policy. This includes the portions of the hotel listed above. BLFC policy will apply within convention space.
I believe someone is creating fraudulent vaccine cards for themselves or others. What can I do?
To report suspicious activity involving fake vaccination record cards, please contact the appropriate government agency in your state or jurisdiction, HHS-OIG (1-800-HHS-TIPS or www.oig.hhs.gov), or the Internet Crime Complaint Center (www.ic3.gov).
What happens if someone presents a fraudulent proof of vaccination at the convention?
They will be ejected from the convention, and we will contact law enforcement.
Questions
If you have questions about vaccine requirements, testing requirements, or exemptions, please contact us using the button below or email vax@goblfc.org. No other inquiries will be responded to at this address.