Greetings Fireflies! In order to prepare the way forward for Firefly 2022 ticket registration, we are announcing the 2022 COVID policy. Firefly will use a “vaccinate or test-to-stay” approach. Before entry, all participants will be required to show either proof of current full vaccination status or a negative PCR test administered within 72 hours. Those choosing to show test results will be required to demonstrate negative rapid test results each day they are at the event. We believe this approach will enable the whole community to make a choice to participate in Firefly should they be willing and able to do so, while simultaneously providing a significant level of safety against the situation which forced the cancellation of the previous two events. The details: Summary By consensus decision of the Board of Directors, Firefly 2022 will use a “vaccinate or test-to-stay” approach. Before entry, all participants will be required to show proof of current full vaccination status or a negative PCR test administered within 72 hours. Those choosing to show test results will be required to demonstrate negative rapid test results each day they are at the event. Detailed Policy - Upon arrival at Gate, unless evidence was previously accepted through the ticketing portal, participants will be required to show one of the following: 1. A current COVID-19 vaccination record in the participant’s name. The record must show the participant as fully vaccinated under the CDC definition https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html. Suitable forms are: - An original paper vaccination card - A SMART Health Card QR Code - Other medical provider records of administered vaccine doses - A picture of your vaccination card on your phone 2. The verifiable results of a lab-administered PCR COVID-19 test from a sample taken less than 72 hours prior to arrival. - A printout of the results from the lab - An electronic version of these results - Participants choosing option (b) will be given detailed requirements for on-site rapid testing each day during the event. Such participants should bring sufficient rapid tests for the duration of their stay. If you require rapid tests but obtaining them is a logistical or financial hardship, contact [Lia@fireflyartscollective.org] who is coordinating bulk orders. - If the CDC definition of “fully vaccinated” changes after June 1st, participants will be encouraged but not required to meet the updated standard. - Participants who do not meet the requirements above will be turned away from Firefly. - To minimize the chances for logistical challenges at Firefly, all participants are requested, as they are able, to take a rapid test at home prior to departing for the event. - If you test positive within 10 days before your arrival https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/quarantine-isolation.h... at the event, we ask that you do NOT attend Firefly. Context and Background - An informal survey of over 500 Firefly community members showed widespread support for a vaccination requirement (75%) but also a common desire to make Firefly participation possible to the whole community regardless of vaccination status or eligibility. The policy balances these needs and establishes a high bar for safety. - Of other Burn events in 2022 with published policies, Bequinox https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5d9bd2e67f84b00d9f85d63b/t/621694b2d7..., Playa del Fuego https://playadelfuego.org/covid-protocols/, Flipside https://www.burningflipside.com/2022-covid-policy, and Transformus https://transformus-burn.com/covid-19-policy/ require vaccination for all participants; Love Burn https://www.facebook.com/theloveburn/photos/a.253101091512297/21898635045027..., Saguaro Man https://azburners.org/covid-guidelines/, Lakes of Fire http://lakesoffire.org/the-event/covid-19-policy/, To the Moon https://www.tothemoonburn.com/covid-protocols, and Burning Man https://burningman.org/event/preparation/health-safety/prepping-for-the-play... allow a choice of showing vaccination or test results. Our policy is squarely in the center of the policies of similar events. - Firefly is an outdoors event in a heavily-vaccinated population, and is probably of similar or lower COVID risk than other events people might choose over the holiday weekend. - In considering whether or not to attend Firefly this year, all of us will consider what level of risk we can accept, and what COVID-19 prevention steps we want to take. Here are the CDC’s recommendations https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html . - All Fireflies are expected to evaluate their own COVID risk tolerance, and those of their living unit and campmates, when determining whether and how to participate in Firefly and Firefly activities. This policy is intended to help you make good decisions with information about the event context, not substitute for your own knowledge of your situation and preferences. - While a vaccine-mandatory policy would be simpler to implement, we believe daily testing provides a similarly safe environment, while still providing for the participation of those who are not vaccinated. - Firefly will also have a limited supply of rapid tests for participants who may require them, although we also encourage all participants to bring tests with them if they may wish to test during the event. We will have a small separated isolation area in the case that a participant tests positive during the event and must make arrangements to depart. - This policy goes beyond current guidance by both the State of Vermont and the CDC for an outdoor event. - Firefly Arts Collective may update this policy due to changes in conditions or public health recommendations, or to meet event insurance requirements. The current policy can be found on the Firefly Policies https://www.fireflyartscollective.org/firefly-arts-collective/firefly-polici... page. Coming soon: announcement of Firefly 2022 ticket registration and Work Weekend sign-up! We are looking forward to returning to the woods with many of you this June & July. Sincerely, The Firefly Board of Directors