Updated on October 9, 2022
PERSONAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH GUIDANCE FOR MIR ATTENDEES
(Formerly COVID-19 Guidance)
We, at Mr. International Rubber, 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 are following the advice and guidance of the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Illinois Department of Public Health, and the Chicago Department of Public Health as we plan for this year’s gathering. As this continues to be an evolving pandemic, we ask for your patience.
The effectiveness of vaccinations administered over a year ago is now waning, new booster shots for the current dominant strains are widely available, cases of serious life threatening illness are lower than last year, and serious infections appear to be a rarity for those who have been previously vaccinated. We've lived for over a year with COVID, and it seems 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 MIR26 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.
- The Centers for 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 (either on our official schedule or at a private venue) 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 on the 3rd Floor of the Center on Halsted, and at the Dresscode Party.
- 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.