COVID-19 and Influenza Health and Safety Policy
Last updated: January 2025
On May 11, 2023, the Federal government declared the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. As a result, there are no longer any federal mandates on social distancing, facial coverings, or other specific precautions for group gatherings. However, COVID-19 and influenza (flu) remain public health concerns. VRL/A continues to follow recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to prioritize health and safety during in-person events.
COVID-19 and Influenza Health and Safety Recommendations
Vote Run Lead Action does not require participants to wear masks during in-person gatherings. However, participants are encouraged to follow the recommendations of the CDC and other health authorities to protect themselves and others from both COVID-19 and influenza.
CDC Resources:
- COVID-19 Guidelines: CDC COVID-19 Guidelines
- Influenza Guidelines: CDC Influenza Information
Regardless of your county’s current COVID-19 or influenza levels (low, medium, or high), here are individual-level prevention recommendations you can take for your health and safety:
- Stay up to date on vaccinations for both COVID-19 and influenza.
- Maintain improvements in ventilation at indoor events.
- Avoid contact with individuals who have suspected or confirmed COVID-19 or
influenza. - Follow CDC isolation recommendations if you have suspected or confirmed COVID-19
or influenza. - If you are at high risk for severe illness, consult with a healthcare provider about
additional prevention actions.
To Participate in a Vote Run Lead Action In-Person Gathering:
- Confirm that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including any recommended booster doses, and have received your annual flu vaccine. COVID-19 booster shots, if applicable, should be administered at least two weeks prior to the event date. Please inform VRL/A of any medical, religious, or other exceptions to these vaccination requirements.
- If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or influenza before the event, please get tested for both and communicate your test results to VRL/A.
- Consider wearing a mask when traveling (airport, plane, train, taxi, etc.), especially in areas of high transmission for either COVID-19 or influenza.
- Use standard health and hygiene practices (frequent handwashing, hand sanitizing, respiratory hygiene, cough etiquette, etc.).
- Report any COVID-19 or influenza symptoms that develop during the event to VRL/A and seek a self-administered rapid test.
In the Event of a Positive COVID-19 or Influenza Test During the Event:
If you test positive for COVID-19 or influenza, VRL/A will implement a prompt and coordinated response as follows:
- You will be asked to isolate immediately to minimize the risk of spreading the infection to others.
- VRL/A will notify event organizers so they can take appropriate action.
- Without revealing the infected individual’s identity, all attendees and participants will be notified that someone tested positive for COVID-19 or influenza via public
announcement, email, or text message. - All attendees and participants will be encouraged to get tested for COVID-19 and/or influenza after the event and to monitor themselves for any symptoms over the
following days. - If feasible and agreed to by the infected individual, VRL/A may consider transitioning them to virtual participation.