We are excited to be gathering in person for NEFFA this year at the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel and Trade Center in Marlborough, Massachusetts! Our goal is to provide an opportunity to celebrate and build community, while limiting the spread of disease. Below is our COVID-19 policy for this event, which applies to all NEFFA participants (audience members, performers, volunteers, vendors, etc.). We understand that no set of mitigating strategies will accommodate everyone’s needs or preferences, so please read this policy carefully when deciding whether to attend NEFFA. We ask that you be respectful toward NEFFA organizers (an intrepid band of volunteers!), take good care of each other, and support compliance with this policy.
Note that this policy is subject to change as the event nears, so watch this page for updates. (We do not expect policies to become substantially less cautious.)
Additional details and explanation for the first two policy points will appear in a dropdown if you click/tap on that policy item. A second click/tap will close that section.
We understand that there are many arguments for and against a vaccination requirement. We certainly respect individual choices and the nuance involved in devising any COVID policy. Vaccines offer the people who get them an additional buffer against contracting and spreading COVID, and they are shown to offer significant protection against severe illness. We know vaccines are not perfect at these things, and the possibility of some disease spread at NEFFA is certainly present. But we wish to limit the transmission and severity of illness as much as we can. NEFFA has many stakeholders, and this is the approach our organizers are most comfortable with. We understand that requiring masks for all participants is another point that is likely to spark debate. Many people cannot or do not want to wear a mask, for a wide variety of reasons. But the evidence indicates that masking works very well in mitigating the transmission of airborne disease. It has proven to be one of the best tools for preventing the spread of COVID. For this year’s NEFFA, the organizers are most comfortable requiring everyone to mask up as much as possible. Vaccination: All participants must provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. This means a complete initial dose/series and one or more boosters; the latest date on your vaccination record must be either 2022 or 2023. The bivalent booster is highly recommended, but it is not required. (Read more...)
Masking: Participants must wear a high-quality mask at all times while indoors. Acceptable masks include: N-95, KN-95, KF-94, or equivalent (no cloth masks, gaiters, valved masks, disposable paper medical/surgical masks, etc.). Enro cloth masks are an acceptable option. Masks must be worn correctly (covering nose, mouth, and chin). (Read more...)