NFBMD Policy on In Person Gatherings
Note: This policy was suspended on June 12, 2023 in light of the Federal government ending the Public Health Emergency related to COVID-19. This policy will be reviewed and revived should there be a future health emergency warranting precautions of this nature. The below version was the final iteration prior to suspension and is being kept here for informational purposes only.
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.
- This policy augments any local public health requirements, including those established by the State of Maryland 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.
- The following individuals should stay home:
- 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;
- Unvaccinated individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 14 days or vaccinated individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last ten days;
- Individuals who have a pending COVID-19 test;
- Individuals who have been exposed to an individual who is known or suspected of having COVID-19, for the period of time indicated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC);
- Individuals who purchase tickets for an event and either experience symptoms or later determine they do not feel comfortable attending a large gathering due to the pandemic may choose between requesting and receiving a full refund or donating all or part of the purchase price to the organization;
- The event host must have masks on hand for individuals who do not bring their own or whose masks are damaged or soiled;
- If an individual observes that another event participant is not adhering to this policy, such as not wearing a mask, that individual is encouraged to either remind the other participant about the requirement or notify an event organizer/leader so they can do so;
In-door gatherings:
6. COVID-19 screening will be conducted using an affiliate designated/approved screening for any event with more than 50 participants. The event organizer will implement a screening process of its choosing, as long as that process is consistent with CDC recommended screenings for COVID-19 for events with 50 or fewer participants. Those reporting symptoms and/or recent exposure to COVID-19 will be denied admission;
7. When the COVID-19 transmission rate is high (red) or moderate (yellow), 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 or religion by the affiliate President or Vice Presidents. When the transmission rate is low, individuals are recommended but not required to wear such masks;
8. Physical distancing is required at all events, e.g. 6 feet apart unless from the same household;
9. When the transmission rate is high, and to the extent practicable (e.g. if the transmission rate changes after more than 75% capacity tickets are sold it would be impracticable to reduce capacity), 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%. When the transmission rate is moderate or low, capacity may be 100%;
10. Those working the event, including guides, ticket takers, servers, food preparers, etc. must wear masks at all times and must wash hands frequently consistent with CDC guidance;
11. 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;
12. Individuals may only eat and drink while stationary;
13. Food served at any event is recommended to be prepared by a commercial kitchen that adheres to COVID-19 food preparation requirements;
14. Individuals preparing and serving food must wear gloves;
15. To the maximum extent practicable, event organizers must gather the names and contact information for all event attendees for contract tracing purposes;
Out-door gatherings:
16. Individuals must follow the county’s requirements concerning wearing masks;
17. Physical distancing may be required at all events for individuals not from the same household, e.g. 6 feet apart.
18. Those working the event, including guides, ticket takers, servers, food preparers, etc. must wear masks and frequently wash hands consistent with CDC guidance;
19. 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;
20. Individuals may only eat and drink while stationary;
21. Food served at any events is recommended to be prepared by a commercial kitchen that adheres to COVID-19 food preparation requirements;
22. Individuals preparing and serving food must wear gloves;
23. COVID-19 screening will be conducted using an affiliate designated/approved screening for any event with more than 50 participants. The event organizer will implement a screening process of its choosing, as long as that process is consistent with CDC recommended screenings for COVID-19 for events with 50 or fewer participants. Those reporting symptoms and/or recent exposure to COVID-19 will be denied admission; and
24. To the maximum extent practicable, event organizers must gather the names and contact information for all event attendees for contract tracing purposes.
Adopted: August 16, 2021
Last Updated: June 12, 2023