Major League Hacking (MLH) is following recommendations based on guidance provided by national and international public health authorities. As MLH Hackcon X planning takes place over many months, we expect the COVID-19 situation to change significantly in that time. Our team continues to monitor COVID-19, its variants, vaccinations, and other indicators as we make decisions for MLH Hackcon X. This policy is intended to give you an understanding of what MLH Hackcon X will look like and the minimum precautions to expect.

Our final policy will be based on guidance provided by national and international public health authorities. While we wish we could have a final decision at this time, due to the unpredictable nature of this virus we believe continuing to monitor from now until August will best ensure our attendees have a safe experience. 

We have worked to secure a large venue that allows us to modify the conference in order to take many significant COVID-19 precautions. These include large cabins to allow sleeping attendees to spread out, open-air meeting spaces, and the ability to host parts of the event outdoors. 

Below is an outline of the scenarios we believe are possible and what we plan to enforce in each of them.

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COVID-19 cases are low and risk of transmission is minimal, as judged by the CDC. In any scenario we will fully enforce all the following precautions.

• Masks available for anyone who wishes to wear one, hand sanitizer located throughout the venue, and options to sit outside throughout meals, keynotes, and discussions. 
• All attendees will be required to submit proof of full vaccination including additional boosters that may become available and recommended before August.
• Attendees will fill out a health questionnaire confirming they are not aware of recent exposures or experiencing COVID-19 related symptoms.

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If COVID-19 cases and/or risk is higher we may enforce any/all of the following precautions:

• Attendees required to submit a negative COVID-19 antigen test taken within 48 hours before the start of MLH Hackcon X. We will ensure there are no-cost options available to participants in this scenario.  
• Attendees are required to wear masks at the conference at all times other than eating or when in assigned cabins. Assigned cabins will have no more than five people in a cabin. 
• The conference will be hosted outside to the best of our abilities, including all sessions being hosted outside under tents and meals served outside. The venue has been assessed to accommodate this scenario. 
• Social distancing will be enforced across the venue through environmental and physical controls.

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We recognize everyone does not possess the same level of risk and you may need or want additional accommodations. If you do, you may request these from MLH. Accommodations include, but are not limited to:

• Private/Semi-Private Rooms - Housing at MLH Hackcon is communal, with the possibility of up to 20 people sharing large cabins. You may request that we limit the people in your shared accommodation, we also have a limited number of private rooms available.
• Food Served Outside - Hackcon’s venue has a large outdoor seating area for eating food, however you will need to go inside to collect it, we can ensure meals are prepared for you and served outside.

If you wish to request a special accommodation please email us.

What if I need to travel internationally to attend MLH Hackcon X? 

• MLH is a global movement and much of our community resides outside the United States. If you are traveling from outside the United States to attend MLH Hackcon X, you will be expected to follow the CDC’s Guidance for ​​Non-U.S. Citizen, Non-U.S. Immigrants.  As of March 2022, this requires proof of a negative test and full vaccination. Note that this policy may change by August 2022. If updated guidance would require a quarantine period, MLH is not responsible for providing housing during this quarantine period.  COVID-19 restrictions are constantly changing and if you are able to, we'd love to have you in person. Currently, citizens of most countries are able to enter the US. Email us and we are happy to provide you support while obtaining a travel visa.

• If you're unable to make it, we will have videos of the conference available online and be brining organizer meet-ups to cities outside the United States. Check back soon for more information on these.

What if I need to travel from a COVID-19 hotspot (located within the US) to attend MLH Hackcon X? 

• If you are traveling to New York City from an area with wide community spread, we may ask you to follow additional guidelines such as proof of a negative test before and after travel. 

What vaccines do you accept? 

• We accept any World Health Organization approved vaccine. 

Are the people working MLH Hackcon X vaccinated? 

• Yes, all individuals working at MLH Hackcon X, which includes venue staff, caterers, custodial staff, and more are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

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