SLIG 2022 Health and Safety Update: Mask Requirements

This is the second in a series announcing plans, policies, and special events for SLIG 2022. 

This is also an ANNOUNCEMENT OF RECENT CHANGE to the health and safety policy. Please read carefully.

Last week two things occurred: I was made aware of yet another verbiage modification on the CDC site,  and the world was rocked by the announcement of yet another variant. The result - yet another episode of review, adjust, and rewrite. 

Did I mention that most of the year has been like that? There are some who would say I brought it upon myself.  And they would be mostly correct. But I had my reasons. And I stand by them. (Another post for another day). 

On November 27, 2021, the following update was added to the health and safety policy,

It changes everything. As it relates to masks. 

UPDATE 11/27/21

We are monitoring CDC and State of Utah updates regularly. As we do so, we find ourselves working with a bit of a moving target. The verbiage taken from the CDC page cited on 11/06 appears to have been replaced with slightly less restrictive verbiage. In light of ongoing concerns and recent announcements, however, we feel it wise to adhere to the advisory previously referenced recommending both masks and social distancing.³

Where verbiage has become more restrictive is on the CDC county by county guidelines page, which now states that "Everyone in Salt Lake County, Utah should wear a mask in public, indoor settings." Of import is the change from "recommend" to "should."⁴

3. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/large-events/considerations-for-events-gatherings.html#anchor_1619540969756
4. https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view

Accordingly, as allowed per our original published policy, the following modifications are now effective:

• Masks "should" be worn at SLIG, and social distancing be used, regardless of vaccination status.
• As long as Salt Lake County remains in either substantial or high transmission status, SLIG will interpret "should" to mean "must." Masks will be required, regardless of vaccination status, except when presenting at a distance greater than six feet.
• Consultations requiring screen sharing will be conducted via Zoom. Participants should bring headphones. Consultations not requiring screen sharing will be held in a room set for social distancing.
• Participation is not required in activities where social distancing is not possible (i.e. viewing maps, transportation). Alternative activities may not be available.
• In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations (i.e. the substitution of a face shield) may be available. Requests may be made by updating your registration account disabilities section no later than December 15, 2021. SLIG will reach out for additional information, and submission of documentation may be required.

THE POLICY (as originally published AND as updated 11/06/21) BELOW REMAINS UNCHANGED EXCEPT WHERE SUPERCEDED ABOVE.

-----End quoted area; for the full policy, please visit https://slig.ugagenealogy.org/cpage.php?pt=633-----

The Oxford Dictionary indicates that should is used to "indicate obligation, duty, or correctness." Merriam-Webster uses a similar definition, adding that it is used to state what is "expected." It is to these definitions that SLIG will adhere, not interpretations that imply optional compliance.

Merriam-Webster also indicates that "should" is often used to "express a request in a polite manner or to soften direct statement." 

My previously-planned blog post would have fallen into that definition. It would have emphasized the need for us to wear masks. Touted the wisdom of the CDC's dual recommendation that we both wear masks and social distance at indoor events. And underscored how strongly we felt about our "strongly recommend" mask verbiage, in light of the ongoing pandemic. It would have also cited SLIG's Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, and suggested that respect for all includes demonstrating health and safety precautions. 

While I'm not grateful for the ongoing challenges this pandemic has presented, I can express gratitude that CDC changes have made it easier for to be more direct about something that will help keep us all safe at SLIG.

For additional clarity: 

• I don't expect transmission rates to fall substantially across the nation, or in Salt Lake County, in the next six weeks before SLIG. So, please come prepared to wear a mask at all times. We will have a supply of disposables available should you forget to bring your preferred style.
• This change was made in response to recent changes in CDC guidelines, not in response to recent criticisms. We chose to adhere to CDC guidelines from the beginning in order to maintain integrity and neutrality in a very-divided world as our Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct would demand.
• Citing our own policy: "We hope this provides a safe framework for you to comfortably attend. If not, we would encourage you to wait and attend a subsequent year." We know no matter how the policy is written, it won't be a good fit for some. We regret not being able to make it perfect for all!