Guidance from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) indicates that events and gatherings can contribute to the spread of COVID-19 as attendees can introduce the virus to other event participants and possibly contaminate the event space and its supporting facilities (bathrooms, lobbies, etc.). Therefore, George Mason University has introduced a formal process of evaluating requests for events on its campuses that will ensure health and safety measures for the campus community are prioritized in the event scope and will also monitor adherence with university policies. In accordance with the current executive order(s) in place from the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia regarding public gatherings and operations in higher educational institutions, George Mason University may determine that an event will be allowed to proceed based on the size and duration of an event, demographics of the participants (including those identified by the CDC as higher risk for severe illness), and complexity of the event operations. The following requirements for hosting an event at George Mason University are based on guidance from the CDC, Executive Orders of the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the Virginia Department of Health. 

 

1. By participants of the event you are aware of the risks associated with COVID-19 and the potential exposure related to event attendance. GMU requires participants complete the Mason COVID Health, follow all guidelines, instructions, and signage regarding limiting the spread of communicable diseases (e.g., physical distancing, limiting occupancy, face coverings, refraining from participation if symptomatic or have reason to believe they have been exposed to COVID-19).

2. Assumption of Risk: participants acknowledge that by attending the event they may be in proximity to other individuals and come into contact with surfaces that have been touched by other individuals, which may result in participants contracting COVID-19. Additionally, you agree to follow all guidelines, instructions, and signage regarding limiting the spread of COVID-19 (e.g., physical distancing, limiting occupancy, face coverings). Any individual who is symptomatic of or who is known to have been or believed to have been exposed to COVID-19 will not be allowed to participate in the event in person.

3. Physical Distancing: Participants that are unvaccinated must observe physical distancing by keeping at least 6 feet apart in all areas of the facility and on university grounds. To promote this requirement, venues will be set up to support social distancing.

4. Cloth Face Coverings: The University has developed a color-coded tiered system for Face Covering requirements. Client and all Participants must follow Mason’s current face covering requirements as stated at https://www.gmu.edu/safe-return-campus/personal-and-public-health/face-coverings. Some campus event venues or may have different face covering requirements and Client must confirm with the specific venue whether face coverings are required. Client may also require face coverings if not otherwise required by the University or event venue.

5. Cancellation Due to Non-Compliance: The University will monitor compliance of the above requirements. Any event found to be in violation of any requirement will be given time to resolve the issue(s). If issue(s) cannot be resolved, the University reserves the right to end an event 

6. COVID Precautions: Mason may at its discretion change the COVID-19 precautions described above or impose additional COVID-19 precautions (e.g., require masks of all participants, increase physical distancing) based on changing conditions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. If Mason changes or imposes new precautions, the conference will provide notice to all participants in advance of its event.