For Mysterium 2024, we have adopted the following COVID-19 policy. All attendees, presenters, and special guests will be required to abide by this policy while in Mysterium spaces. We cannot control other spaces, such as public areas of the hotel.
This policy is meant to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, but we cannot prevent it entirely. By attending Mysterium you acknowledge this, and agree to assume the risk that you may be exposed to COVID-19.
If you have any questions about our COVID policies, please reach out to us at committee@mysterium.net.
Masking Requirements
Masks will be required at all times while in indoor convention spaces. We will also enforce any federal health mandates, as well as those issued by state and local authorities, or any policies set by our hotel.
We strongly encourage attendees to wear N95/KN95 respirators (or equivalent international standard as described here), but surgical masks will also be allowed. Masks must cover the nose and mouth fully. Masks must not have holes or exhalation valves. Cloth masks, gaiters, bandanas, mesh masks, costume masks, and similar are not permitted, unless worn over the permitted mask styles listed above. If you wear something over your approved mask, we may ask to verify what is under it.
Refusal to wear a mask will be considered a policy violation, and may result in removal from the convention.
Vaccinations
Due to increasing difficulties in obtaining proof of vaccine, Mysterium will not be requiring vaccines this year. However, they are still strongly encouraged for all attendees.
COVID-19 Related Refunds
While our normal refund policy ends 90 days before the convention, please let us know if you need to cancel closer to Mysterium due to a positive COVID-19 test/diagnosis. This includes situations where you may live with someone who tests positive within 7 days of the convention. We will work with you on a case-by-case basis to arrange a refund of your registration fee, and/or ship you any swag/merchandise you would have received.
Testing
We do not have a testing requirement, but we recommend that you test before traveling to the convention. If you feel sick while at Mysterium, we recommend testing and isolation away from Mysterium attendees and staff.
If you test positive during Mysterium, you must inform us immediately and should isolate at home or in your hotel room. We stream most of our content online, so you will still be able to view most presentations and events. We ask that you also inform us if you test positive after the convention has ended, so that we can inform other attendees of possible contact.
COVID-19 Policy Updates
We will update our COVID-19 policies as required in the months leading up to the convention, and will do our best to announce those updates on our website and on social media. However, the policy will still be enforced even if you miss one of the updates. Every effort will be made to avoid further changes after the refund cutoff point. However, we recognize that as the situation evolves, it may be necessary for further minor changes or clarifications to be made, particularly if government or hotel requirements change. We will make every effort to communicate these changes to attendees as quickly and clearly as possible.
2024 COVID-19 Policy FAQ
No. While we strongly encourage all attendees to obtain the latest vaccines available, they will not be required this year.
Availability of the latest vaccine varies by region. Additionally, the CDC is no longer printing vaccine cards, so proof of vaccine is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain without significant advance planning. Most pharmacies will not provide proof without specifically requesting it, and an increasing number of places are not offering it even when requested.
Yes, masking will be required by attendees at all times when in indoor Mysterium spaces. Please see above for more detailed information.
Yes. While it is recommended to bring your own masks, we will have a supply of surgical masks available.
No. There is an inherent risk in travel as well as any large gatherings. While vaccines are effective at reducing the risk of infection and serious illness, there is still some risk of infection. Decide for yourself if you are comfortable with this risk.
For transportation, contact your carrier for their cancellation policies. We will have more information about the hotel’s cancellation policy once we announce a location.
While our normal refund policy ends 90 days before the convention, please let us know if you need to cancel closer to Mysterium due to a positive COVID-19 test/diagnosis. This includes situations where you may live with someone who tests positive within 7 days of the convention. We will work with you on a case-by-case basis to arrange a refund of your registration fee, and/or ship you any swag/merchandise you would have received.
COVID Policy Update History
- 2024-01-26 – initial policy posted