[MR] Kingdom of Atlantia COVIDSafe policy announcement March 6, 2022

[Atlantian Seneschal]

On March 2, 2022, the Kingdom Seneschal, The Crown and Heirs, and the
Deputy Kingdom Seneschal, met to discuss the future of the COVIDSafe Policy
for the Kingdom of Atlantia. We discussed the feedback received from
members, as well as adjustments to modern public health guidance and
current circumstances in the States and regions that constitute the Kingdom.
COVIDSafe Policy and Masking in the Kingdom of Atlantia

We all agree that the COVIDSafe Policy will end on March 12, 2022.  At the
same time, Atlantia will remove the masking requirement for events except
in specific circumstances: if a volunteer who is checking members into an
event or activity including, but not limited to gate or minister of the
lists, asks that a member mask for the duration of the process of checking
in, then that member shall comply. Members attending events for the
immediate future should carry a mask for such occasions. Event stewards
should make sure that a box of disposable masks is provided at the check in
table for members who do not have a mask with them.

Members in their camps and tents, or under their day shades determine who
may and may not enter those areas, and whether masks shall be required in
those settings. We recommend that members who wish to maintain distance, or
exclude visitors from their camp or dayshade, post a courteously worded,
legible sign setting out whether masked or unmasked visitors are permitted
to enter and under what circumstances. Note that members who are conducting
a class or activity at an event that is open to attendees as part of the
event, are not authorized to impose restrictions on members attending the
class or activity. For clarity, the archery marshal is free to wear a mask,
and free to ask an archer to maintain distance, but may not require
everyone at the archery range to wear a mask as a condition of
participation.  A calligraphy instructor may wear a mask but may not
require the students in the class to do so.  If a member conducts a class
or activity in a private camp, then they may require that all attendees of
the class wear a mask as a condition of participation in the class but
should recognize that.

Members are encouraged to take what steps they deem prudent to protect
their health while participating in official activities. No harassment or
criticism of those who choose to wear masks, maintain social distance,
avoid gatherings, or keep closed camps and/or private day shades will be
tolerated in the Kingdom of Atlantia or any of its branches; such behavior
may lead to sanctions including, but not limited to, removal from the
official event or activity.
Event Pre-Registration Requirement

While we appreciate and approve the benefits of SCARs for event stewards
and staff, we also recognize that schedules change and folks sometimes have
the opportunity to make a last minute decision to attend an event.  So
while we strongly encourage members to preregister, with the end of
attendance caps, preregistration will no longer be required to attend
events in the Kingdom of Atlantia.
Conclusion

            We read and heard hundreds of comments before making this
decision. We understand no decision we take will be universally welcomed.
Before COVIDSafe was implemented, an overwhelming majority of your comments
were in favor of the policy, reflecting the state of the pandemic at the
time. Now most of the comments we received advocate managing our risk
individually when it comes to our participation in SCA activities.

            The Kingdom of Atlantia and its branches will continue to
comply with all local, State and Federal law regarding public health
measures. While we understand that there are those who will disagree with
the decision to end the current policy, please know that we will continue
to support and respect the choices our members make to protect themselves
and their families.



TRM Eckehard and Jane                                            Duchess
Simone, Seneschal

TRH Cuan and Adelheit                                             Master
Jean Claude, Deputy Seneschal

Duchess Simone
Sarah Toich
Seneschal, Kingdom of Atlantia
seneschal at atlantia.sca.org
(443) 917-1729 NLT 10 pm