Katsucon 2023 COVID Guidelines & Policies

Please be advised that Katuscon 2023 is now requiring Full COVID vaccinations for all attendees.

Please read below for full rules and requirements:

THESE POLICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Katsucon continues to strive to protect and prioritize the safety and health of all our participants. While Maryland’s mask mandate has been lifted, Katsucon’s staff would like to provide a safe environment for all attendees. We will be following the Prince George’s County’s Mandates and Regulations, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations, and industry best practices to ensure a clean and safe environment.

PLEASE NOTE: Katsucon and the Gaylord National will be enforcing the following convention policies:

1. Masks must be worn at all times except for the following:
   • While eating in restaurants or in café areas.
   • Outside the building.
   • If you have a disability that prevents you from wearing a mask. 
2. Masks are 100% required to enter and remain on the premises. Further exceptions will be based on guidance found HERE.
3. Attendees are required to be fully vaccinated two (2) weeks prior to arrival of the event and provide Katsucon with proof of vaccination at the time of badge collection. Failure to be fully vaccinated or providing proof of vaccination means you will not be able to attend this event. If you have questions on the definition of “fully vaccinated”, please review the CDC guidelines on their website HERE. 
   • CDC definition of “fully vaccinated” is: A 2-dose series of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna), or A single-dose COVID-19 vaccine (Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine) 
4. Acceptable proof of vaccine is: 
   • An original physical vaccination card in print or digital form. 
   • A digital vaccination record issued by a government body, healthcare provider, or authorized COVID-19 vaccine administrator, either displayed on your smart device or printed out. 
   • A third-party app that validates your vaccination record with a government body, healthcare provider, or authorized COVID-19 vaccine administrator (apps such as CLEAR and AZOVA will NOT be accepted). 
5. Booster shots are optional; and are not considered required under Katsucon’s “fully vaccinated status”. However, we highly encourage everyone to obtain the booster if they are eligible.
6. There will be no tolerance for bullying related to masks.
7. Sanitizing stations will be located throughout the convention space.
8. There will be limited close contact events and limited physical contact with guests.  These are at the guest’s discretion. 
9. Vendors are encouraged to utilize cashless payment options (Tap to Pay, CashApp, Paypal, etc) to minimize contact.
10. Failure to follow the guidelines will result in progressive warnings up to and including removal from the event and the hotel. 

**Per the CDC: “Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. There is no way to ensure zero risks of infection. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. In general, the more closely you interact with others and the longer that interaction, the higher the risk of COVID-19 spread. If you decide to engage in public activities, continue to protect yourself by practicing everyday preventive actions.” Additionally, the CDC states that, “older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing serious complications from COVID-19 illness.” 

By attending Katsucon, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.