ANTHRO NEW ENGLAND 2025 MEDICAL POLICY.
Last revised JULY 30, 2024.
INTRODUCTION.
These policies and guidelines include measures we are taking to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and other seasonal illnesses during our convention. We have implemented these policies for the protection of other attendees (as well as staff, guests, vendors, and their families & friends). We have a zero tolerance policy towards anyone who violates this policy.
MASKS REQUIRED.
Masks are medically proven to be effective at limiting the spread of diseases spread via droplet such as the common cold, the flu, and COVID-19. We recognize that other conventions are relaxing their masking requirements, however as Anthro New England is hosted during flu, cold, and COVID seasons we are requiring that our attendees do continue to wear masks.
All individuals must wear an acceptable mask at all times within badged convention space, as well as within the Marina ballroom. When worn, masks must cover the nose and mouth fully.
Examples of acceptable face coverings include:
- Disposable surgical masks
- Double walled cloth masks
- Dust masks
- N95 masks
This does not include:
- Balaclavas (unless under a fursuit)
- Face gaiters
- Anything with a vent or exhalation valve (ex: painters masks, gas masks, vented N95 masks, etc.)
- Single walled cloth or mesh facemasks
- Articles of clothing (ex: scarf, t-shirt, etc.)
Attendees must purchase or acquire their own mask. If an attendee cannot do so for any reason, disposable masks will be available at the convention safety office and may be provided with a donation to our charities of $1 or more.
Final determination of what constitutes an acceptable mask goes to con staff, not the attendee. Repeated violation of, or refusal to comply with this policy will result in a revocation of convention membership and ejection from convention space and may result in a ban from future Anthro New England events.
VACCINATIONS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED.
We recognize that access to the COVID-19 vaccination has become more limited since the beginning of the pandemic due to government funded vaccination programs being stopped across the globe. Additionally, certain countries have begun to refuse issuing vaccines to individuals who are not in specific risk groups.
Requiring vaccinations would put increased, unfair financial burden on uninsured attendees and would prevent international people from attending altogether. In order to mitigate the increased medical risk caused by removal of a vaccination mandate, the following measures are being taken:
- Masks are required in all convention spaces. This policy will be strictly enforced. For further details, please see the expanded mask policy above.
- Attendees can present proof of COVID-19 and flu vaccination for entry into a sweepstakes with a grand prize including sponsor level registration and a compensated hotel room for Thursday – Monday for ANE 2026. All entrants must be 18 years or older to apply. Further details and prizes will be announced via our social media platforms.
- COVID-19 testing kits will be administered for free in the Infirmary, located at the bottom of the escalator on the Grand Ballroom level. Any attendee that tests positive will be eligible for a full refund for the cost of their attendance after the event.
Anthro New England strongly recommends that all attendees get their COVID-19 and flu vaccinations if at all possible.
DO YOUR PART.
Wash your hands, avoid touching your face with unwashed hands, and monitor your health – if you are showing any symptoms of COVID-19 or new onset symptoms of general illness (fever, cough, shortness of breath, gastrointestinal symptoms, etc.) or if you have tested positive and have not isolated for at least 5 days (and/or continue to test positive), we please ask that you do not attend the convention for the safety of yourself and others. Minimizing the onset and spread of any illness during and after the convention is one of our top priorities.
ANY QUESTIONS?
We’re here to help! If you have any questions regarding the policy – please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected].
We’re doing everything we can to help protect and ensure the health and safety of all Anthro New England attendees – especially those who are immunocompromised. Please help us keep everyone safe while having fun.