(Updated on September 26, 2023)
PERSONAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH GUIDANCE FOR MIR ATTENDEES
(Formerly COVID-19 Guidance)
We are committed to producing a safe, fun and friendly, in-person event for those who can attend; and a vibrant online schedule of events for those who cannot attend in person.
We, at MIR Contest, are following the advice and guidance of the United States Centers for Disease Control and Protection, the Illinois Department of Public Health, and the Chicago Department of Public Health as we plan for this year’s gathering.
While we are now a few years out from the outbreak of COVID-19, we continue to see new COVID-19 variants emerging each year. Additionally, healthcare professionals continue to be aware of outbreaks of monkeypox among men who have sex with men. Finally, autumn also brings the beginning of Flu season in the northern hemisphere.
The latest updated COVID-19 booster shots are widely available, cases of serious life threatening illness are lower than previous years, and serious infections appear to be a rarity for those who have been both vaccinated and boosted. We are happy to see that individuals and society have navigated minimizing personal risk through masking, vaccination, and isolating during recovery - with life for many returning to a new normal.
Therefore, at this time, we are offering the following guidance for MIR27 attendees:
- While rubber gear is an effective barrier to reduce the transmission of Monkeypox (MPV), we are encouraging all MIR attendees to get the Monkeypox vaccination, and to engage in frank conversations with potential play partners about MPV risks factors prior to engaging in intimate activity. As a reminder, the Monkeypox vaccination is a two shot series. Consult with your healthcare provider to ensure that you have completed the full Monkeypox vaccination series.
- The Center of Disease Control and Prevention, as well as both the Illinois and Chicago Departments of Public Health have listed Chicago as having a low risk level of transmission for COVID-19, based on current state, county, and city health data metrics, vaccination rates, as well as the wide availability of vaccinations and boosters.
- We will not be checking vaccination status at this year's event.
- We are encouraging all MIR attendees to receive the most current COVID-19 bivalent booster and an annual flu vaccination at least 14 days prior to arrival at MIR.
- Mask wearing is encouraged for those who wish to have an added extra layer of protection.
- We ask that individuals who plan on attending a play party consider taking a rapid test at least 24 hours prior to the party, and act accordingly based on the results of that test.
- COVID Rapid Tests will be available to MIR attendees at the Registration Desk in the Berlin room of the DoubleTree Skokie
- Each day of MIR we ask that you assess your own personal health before attending. If you feel sick, are running a fever, or experiencing other symptoms of illness, we ask that you refrain from attending and take care of your own health so that you may return the following day, or the following year.
- Although most venues in Chicago have stopped requiring proof of vaccination for entry, we strongly recommend maintaining a photo of your proof of vaccination on your phone.
We cannot anticipate every possible scenario. We respectfully ask that each person who attends MIR take everyone's health and well being into consideration so that we can all have a safe, fun, and healthy weekend!
We will do our best to ensure that this year’s event is safe for everyone, but ask for your assistance in helping us achieve that goal.
Please note, these guidelines are subject to change, based on the evolving public health guidance and ground level circumstances.