NFB of Illinois In Person Gatherings Policy

This policy is applicable to all chapters, divisions, and the affiliate, as well as any activities, meetings, fundraisers, or in-person gatherings of an official nature.

  1. This policy augments any local public health requirements, including those established by the State of Illinois and the County where the event takes place. This policy is the minimum required for in-person events and activities and may be more restrictive than local guidance. However, if local public health guidance imposes additional or more restrictive requirements, the more restrictive requirements govern.
  2. The following individuals should stay home:
    1. Individuals who feel sick, including experiencing any of the following symptoms: fever, sore throat, runny nose, loss of smell or taste, or those ordinarily associated with COVID-19;
    2. Individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 14 days;
    3. Individuals who have a pending COVID-19 test;
    4. Individuals who have been exposed to an individual who is known or suspected of having COVID-19;
    5. Individuals who purchase tickets for an event and either experience symptoms or later determine they do not feel comfortable attending a large gathering will be given full refunds;
    6. The event host must have masks on hand for individuals who do not bring their own or whose masks are damaged or soiled;

      7. In-door gatherings:

      1. Temperature screening will be conducted for all attendees of any in-person gatherings with more than 30 attendees, and anyone whose temperature is 100.4 degrees or higher will not be granted admission;
      2. Screening will be conducted for any events with more than 30 participants, and those reporting symptoms and/or recent exposure to COVID-19 will be denied admission;
      3. Individuals must wear masks that fully cover their mouths and noses at all times unless actively eating and drinking, and unless they have been granted a reasonable accommodation based on disability by the affiliate President or Vice Presidents;
      4. Physical distancing is required at all events, e.g. 6 feet apart unless from the same household. For events where individuals are at round tables, no more than 6 individuals may share a table. Where tables are rectangular, only every other seat may be occupied;
      5. Events are limited to 75% venue capacity, but where it would be difficult to ensure physical distancing as required by #8 above, capacity may be limited to 50%;
      6. Those working the event, including guides, ticket takers, servers, etc. must wash hands frequently consistent with CDC guidance;
      7. The event host must provide hand sanitizer and/or easy, convenient, and accessible means for event attendees to wash their hands consistent with CDC guidance;
      8. Individuals may only eat and drink while stationary;
      9. Food served at any events must be prepared by a commercial kitchen that adheres to COVID-19 food preparation requirements;
      10. Individuals serving food must wear gloves;

      Out-door gatherings:

        I

      1. ndividuals must follow the county’s requirements concerning wearing masks;
      2. Physical distancing may be required at all events for individuals not from the same household, e.g. 6 feet apart.
      3. Those working the event, including guides, ticket takers, servers, etc. must frequently wash hands consistent with CDC guidance;
      4. The event host must provide hand sanitizer and/or easy, convenient, and accessible means for event attendees to wash their hands consistent with CDC guidance;
      5. Individuals may only eat and drink while stationary;
      6. Food served at any events is recommended to be prepared by a commercial kitchen that adheres to COVID-19 food preparation requirements;
      7. Individuals serving food must wear gloves;

      Overnight gatherings:

      1. All attendees must submit a negative PCR or antigen test for covid19. Said test to be taken no earlier than 72 hours prior to the beginning of the overnight event. Said test is required for both vaccinated and unvaccinated attendees. Test results are to be sent via email or text to the president’s designee at least 12 hours before the event is scheduled to begin. The presidents designee will track who has sent the test and destroy records of the tests no later than 30 days after the event is concluded. All attendees who do not present negative test results shall be prohibited from attendance at overnight events.