Waiver: By attending Mentone 2022 I acknowledge the inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 and the fact that Birmingham Footmad cannot guarantee a COVID-19 free dance weekend even with our preventative measures and policies. By attending Mentone 2022 I agree to assume all risks related to exposure of COVID-19. I also agree to release, covenant not to sue, discharge, and hold harmless Birmingham Footmad, its owners, employees, board members, agents, contractors, insurers, and affiliates, of all liabilities, claims, actions, damages, costs, or expenses of any kind arising out of or relating to attendance at Mentone 2022. COVID Policy for everyone 5 years and older:
When to come to Mentone - We thought vaccinations would suffice, then found out they don't impede the spread of the current COVID variants. Then we developed a testing protocol based on free PCR tests. As of July 1, 2022, that has changed. Those tests now cost an arm or a leg, either of which makes it difficult to dance. So we have had to revise our policy yet again and we've decided to fall back on your good sense and good will. Please have everyone in your party, including children, take these precautions:
Beginning August 9th minimize your exposure to COVID as much as possible. Wear a mask when out, if feasible.
If you haven't tested positive for COVID since August 14th, then test yourself in the interval of August 17-19.
If you've tested positive in the interval of August 14-19 or feel sick on August 19, then stay home and isolate. In that case we will fully refund your admission fees.
Vaccination - Although we hope for your own well-being and the well-being of the public at large that you have become fully vaccinated against COVID, we have removed the vaccination requirement as a condition for attending Mentone. The available evidence indicates that vaccination provides little or no help to preventing the spread of the new COVID variants. The boosters under development offer promise but we will not have those by the time of the Mentone weekend. Because of that we have opted for COVID testing along with suggestions for managing your exposure as detailed above. Remember, if you haven't kept up to date on your vaccinations, you place yourself at a much higher risk of severe complications from a COVID infection.
Honor System - We know you care for the health of your dancing friends and depend on you to honor our COVID policy.
Dining - no restrictions, although consider getting your food with your mask on and eating outside.
Masks - We suggest that you wear a mask when dancing or socializing.
Lodging - We have lots of options for lodging where you can maintain some amount of social distancing. All of the cabins have two or three rooms (usually with only one single bed) separate from the main bunk areas. Riverside has individual rooms which can sleep 4 to 6. We will allow single occupancy in each of the Riverside rooms, but ask that you take the smaller ones first. Since we have many more beds available than the number of people we expect to attend, we hope that you can find a private room or, if not, then common lodging areas with only a few other residents. We will assist in those efforts as well as we can on a first come first serve basis.