covid-19 pandemic policy

Overview

Dystopia Rising: Wisconsin acknowledges that while we all miss gaming with our friends, there is still an ongoing world-wide pandemic that should be taken into serious consideration. The safety of our players, those very friends and family we miss, is of utmost importance. Dystopia Rising: Wisconsin, and its staff and volunteers, reserve the right to modify this policy at any time without prior notice. We also reserve the right to enforce this policy as needed by refusing service to anyone who chooses to jeopardize the health and safety of other players by not following proper and approved precautions.

Dystopia Rising: Wisconsin also acknowledges that as an entertainment company, we cannot provide medical advice nor guarantee a 100% risk-free experience at our Events from becoming ill. All players assume personal responsibility and liability for their own safety and well-being.

vaccination

All participants at Dystopia Rising: Wisconsin are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at least 14 days prior to attending the Game Event. “Fully vaccinated” also includes any necessary booster immunizations. Exceptions for those unable to receive a COVID-19 vaccine may be granted on a case-by-case basis. If you feel such an exception applies to you, please contact us with an explanation of your circumstances. Any such exceptions must be granted and approved at least 1 week prior to the Event; requesting an exception at Check In will result in being denied entry to the event.

Non-vaccinated individuals who are granted an exception at least 1 week prior to the event, will be required to properly wear a mask covering their mouth and nose at all times during the event, in accordance with CDC, state, and local health recommendations. It is highly recommended that non-vaccinated individuals not attend our events during a pandemic.

Proof of vaccination will be required during Check-In. Please do not bring your actual vaccination card to the event; we don’t want you to lose it! Instead, take a photo of it with your phone, or email a photo of it to us at least 1 week before you plan to attend the Event. If you email us your proof of vaccination, you must receive confirmation that we have received it. Not having been cleared as vaccinated OR having a confirmed exception in advance will result in being denied entry to the event.

Masks

The CDC has published significant information on proper mask usage. You may find more information here. Failure to properly wear a mask in accordance with approved guidelines may result in the participant being immediately asked to leave.

Masks are currently required when indoors, with exceptions in limited circumstances. We support your decision to additionally wear masks while outdoors as well. Exceptions to indoor mask wearing include the obvious, such as: eating, showering, or within your own immediate sleeping area.

It is recommended that you bring more than one mask for the weekend, and change them out as they become dirty. If your mask becomes damaged or lost during the course of game, we will have a few extras for sale at Logistics.

Event Check In

So you’ve had the shots, you’ve waited the time needed for your body to build up that immunity, and you’ve finally finished all those crafting projects you said you’d do during the last year! Now what?

Well, when you arrive on site, and during pre-game Setup, all participants will need to wear a mask during their Check In. Masks will continue to be worn from event setup through Opening Announcements. After Opening Announcements, masks may come off for those who have shown record of their vaccination during Check In. Masks must stay on for anyone who is unvaccinated; all other participants, having shown record of their vaccination, will be allowed to remove their masks and jump into character. Still want to wear a mask anyways? Please feel free to do so; many of us have been continuing to do so!

During Game

Many of our cabins sleep 4-6 individuals at a time. There should be sufficient cabins and sleeping space for many to split up into respective “pandemic pods.” There is also camping space for tents available. Please spread out when possible to help encourage social distancing.

Unvaccinated players must wear their masks and practice proper social distancing at all times. It is, however, expected that ALL players practice good hygiene and sanitation practices, including but not limited to, washing hands thoroughly before and after handling food, smoking, and using the toilet.

In accordance with current CDC guidelines for vaccinated individuals, masks will be required while indoors, unless it is your immediate sleeping space or you are eating. There are many picnic tables outdoors for your convenience. Those who are eating indoors are required to maintain 6 feet of social distance spacing, and must be actively eating while unmasked.

The new camp showers and restroom facilities are top-notch; please enjoy and take good care of them! We will try to have cleaning supplies readily available during game; it is highly appreciated and very neighborly to give the facilities you use a quick cleaning and sanitization after you are finished with them.

NPC Shift

During your NPC Shift, Dystopia Rising: Wisconsin recognizes that players may not be able to easily socially distance inside of NPC Ops, also known as ”Monster Camp”. All players will be required to wear a mask while inside of either of the Ops buildings, but may remove it after having exited the building.

The NPC Costuming building will also have signs and directions for sanitation and handling of costuming pieces; please ask your Guides for assistance with this process. After the end of your shift is also a great time to grab a shower before getting back into character!

Check Out & Clean Up

All participants must wear a mask before coming to Closing Announcements. Masks should stay on through Camp Cleanup until leaving the Camp.

After Game

If you develop any symptoms of COVID-19 after game, please get yourself tested at one of the many locations offering it. In the event of a positive test within 14 days of your attendance, please contact us or the Manitowoc County Health Department so that we can do appropriate contact tracing for other attendees.