After carefully reviewing the current scientific and medical guidance, Covid-19 infection rates and impacts, and available preventive and treatment measures, masking and vaccination will not be requirements to attend and participate in Multiverse 2023. Please read on for a more detailed explanation of this policy.

Although there continue to be fluctuations in overall Covid-19 infections, nationwide rates of infection, hospitalization, and deaths are low and have remained so for several months. Vaccination is almost universal among the Multiverse community (significantly higher than national averages), which lowers the likelihood of outbreaks and community spread even further. Additionally, the treatment drug Paxlovid is now widely available and has proven highly effective in reducing the severity of infection and preventing hospitalization and death. In short, we are close to an endemic state in which infection rates are not growing significantly, health care systems are not overwhelmed, and effective prevention and treatment options are widely available.

That said, Covid-19 is still (and likely always will be) a health risk. Accordingly, please read and respect the following policies:

  • Stay home if you are sick. We know you don’t want to miss the convention, but if you get infected with Covid and/or are exhibiting signs of illness, please respect your fellow con-goers and do not attend. Please note that if Multiverse staff becomes aware that you are ill or displaying symptoms of illness, you may be asked to leave the convention spaces.

  • Masks are still strongly encouraged. Covid-19 is not the only illness out there; “con crud” is real, as are colds, flu, etc., and masking in crowded spaces is always a good health measure. Although masks are not required, please wear them whenever possible if you are comfortable doing so. 

  • Harassment of people for their masking choices is not allowed. Any such harassment will be treated as a violation of the Code of Conduct. No exceptions.

  • Masks will be available for free to anyone who needs them. Stop by Registration or ask a Multiverse volunteer if you would like a mask to wear.

  • Test yourself for Covid before and after attending the convention. Regular testing remains a key component of identifying and reducing the spread of Covid-19.

  • This policy is subject to change. Between now and the convention, if we obtain new information that tells us safety requires masking and/or mandatory vax verification, we may change this policy to require those things. 

As always, we prioritize the safety of the Multiverse community above all else, and we have faith that Multiversians will continue to look out for each other and take reasonable precautions to avoid spreading illnesses. If you have any questions about these policies, please reach out to info@multiversecon.org. We look forward to seeing you all in October!