While we anticipate a ‘normal’ regatta, with spectators and without masks, the HOSR will continue to proactively plan for a safe environment for competitors and staff. The HOSR will adhere to the guidance of USRowing and to the public health regulations of the City of Philadelphia, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the US Centers for Disease Control for the 2022 regatta. Currently, there are no COVID-specific restrictions for businesses, organizations, and restaurants (including catering, food courts, entertainment, cultural, recreation, and hospitality venues.)
General Guidance
Given an increasing understanding of COVID-19 transmission and in light of increasing vaccination prevalence, we believe that a safe and successful Regatta is well within reach in 2022. Importantly, transmission patterns in outdoor spaces are understood to be much less likely than transmission in indoor spaces. Further, HOSR is held across a wide geographical area and over a window of time such that direct and concentrated person-to-person exposures are limited. Nonetheless, as with any activity that involves gathering, even with multiple mitigation strategies, the risk of transmission cannot be fully eliminated. We encourage all participants to adhere to best practices to reduce the risk for all (ie. isolate if symptoms develop, and to maintain social distance as feasible).
COVID-19 Vaccination
It has been well documented in the scientific literature that the best method to decrease transmission is through vaccination efforts. Therefore:
- HOSR encourages all participants, including but not limited to competitors, coaches and team personnel, to be fully vaccinated.
- HOSR encourages all volunteers, referees, vendors and staff to be fully vaccinated.
Masking
- HOSR will adhere to state and local regulations on mask usage. As of October 1, 2022, masks are not required for all attending an outdoor gathering of more than 1,000 persons.
- Masks will be available on site.
Travel
- All participants will be required to follow all applicable U.S. and state testing and quarantine requirements related to travel, symptoms, and exposure.
Social Distancing and Capacity management
- HOSR will adhere to state and local regulations around capacity management. Per the guidelines released by the City of Philadelphia on June 15th, 2021, there are no current restrictions on indoor and outdoor gathering size nor capacity limitations. HOSR will encourage social distancing whenever possible but will not impose additional capacity limits in any of the venues. This is subject to change if pandemic conditions require or in the event of new State or local guidance.
Prevention Measures
HOSR shall:
- Control access to high-traffic areas of the venue and develop policies that try to ensure physical/social distancing throughout the venue.
- Provide pre-event communications guidance on the criteria for attending/participating in the event to all those planning to attend.
- Promote self-monitoring for signs and symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 both before and during the event.
- Strongly encourage those with symptoms to remain at home.
- Have event staff and Emergency Management Services observe individuals at the venue for signs or symptoms of COVID. If an individual is identified with these signs and symptoms, an established medical plan will be followed.
- Provide virtual methods for competitors to receive race briefings/updates.
- Weather and facility permitting, open windows and doors of indoor/tented spaces whenever possible.
- Provide hand sanitizer in multiple targeted locations throughout the venue (i.e., near areas/items frequently touched by multiple people).
- Take appropriate safety precautions when providing food and beverages for event staff, volunteers and referees such as single-serve drink, pre-packaged individual snacks, and individual boxed meals.
- Establish a frequent cleaning schedule for high-touch areas.
Hygiene
- We encourage all participants to wash or sanitize their hands regularly. Hand sanitizer and wash stations will be available throughout the site.
- Athletes should use and handle their own equipment. If this is not possible, equipment should be cleaned daily.
- Athletes should use their own towel and hygiene products.
- HOSR will maintain a cleaning schedule for high-touch areas.
Symptomatic Participants
- All participants should abide by state and local public health guidance surrounding SARS-CoV-2 isolation and quarantine. Lack of cooperation with public health guidance will be grounds for removal from the event.
- Any participant, regardless of vaccination status, with symptoms compatible with COVID-19 in the 14 days prior to the event should be tested for SARS-CoV-2 in order to participate.
- Any participant who develops symptoms compatible with COVID-19 while at the Regatta should immediately report to the EMS station located at the Three Angels Area.
Exposures and Contact Tracing
- In the event of an exposure that occurs at the Regatta, HOSR will cooperate with local and state public health authorities. HOSR will expect all participants and attendees who are notified by either HOSR or public health authorities to cooperate with contact tracing and/or quarantine as appropriate.
Key Stakeholder Groups
Competitors, coaches and team personnel (domestic and international)
- All participants are required to follow CDC as well as local regulations regarding arrival testing/quarantine protocols that are in place at the time of the Regatta. These may change from the time of initial registration and it is the responsibility of the participant to know the rules related to their location of origin.
- HOSR will not be responsible for providing quarantine accommodations if they are required and will not reimburse any expenses related to travel or quarantine should an individual or team not be allowed to participate due to COVID-19.
Volunteers/Referees/Staff
- Volunteers, referees and staff are encouraged to be vaccinated.
- Volunteers may not work if they have any symptoms that might be COVID-19.
Sponsors/Vendors
- Are encouraged to maintain at least two open ends to any tent to ensure adequate air flow.
- Will assist in contact tracing should an outbreak occur that has proximity to their sponsorship location.