ALL PROTOCOLS IN THIS DOCUMENT APPLY TO BOTH BEACH BLITZ PRESENTED BY THE GENE HAAS FOUNDATION AND BOTS AT THE BEACH FOR THE 2022 EVENTS.

2022 Covid-19 Protocols

Introduction:

Beach Blitz presented by the Gene Haas Foundation recognizes the significant threat that Covid-19 continues to pose to the health and safety of our community. With the necessary modifications, Beach Blitz presented by the Gene Haas Foundation successfully ran safely in 2021. While the situation has improved over the last year, a threat to health and safety remains. We are confident that with the same rigor, we can have another safe event in 2022, bigger and better than ever! We also understand that mitigating all risk of exposure to Covid-19 is impossible, and participants should make responsible decisions based on their own risk assessment and comfort.

Subject to change:

Please note that all information in this document reflects the event’s current operating plan. However, as the landscape continues to evolve and as government and venue requirements shift, these protocols are subject to revision at any point. Protocols are based on Orange County’s placement in the CDC’s “Low” community spread tier and may be amended should this status change. We will make every effort to inform participants of any changes in a timely manner.

How this document came to be:

The Beach Blitz Planning Committee created all protocols with the following priorities, in mind:

• Mitigate the risk of Covid-19 transmission at the event
• Provide a safe environment for all teams and volunteers
• Provide equitable access to the competition for all teams and volunteers
• Create the fun, educational opportunities Beach Blitz is known for

We firmly believe that protocols should exist for a reason, and thus everything outlined in this document will answer “yes” to at least one of the following questions:

• Does this protocol minimize close contacts (CDC definition: being within <6 ft for at least 15 minutes collectively over a 24 hour period)?
• Does this protocol reduce the risk of transmission between individuals in close proximity?
• Is this protocol necessary to promote safety of team members, mentors, and volunteers?
• Is this protocol a requirement imposed by public health officials, the venue, or other stakeholders?

Capacity

Teams

Team size is not limited for the 2022 event. If the pit or other areas become overcrowded, event organizers reserve the right to impose measures to restrict the total number of people in one area.

Team members are encouraged to spend time outdoors or away from highly concentrated areas when possible

Volunteers

Volunteer numbers are not limited for the 2022 event. Same day “walk up” volunteers (including children and spouses of registered volunteers) will only be accepted on a space-available basis.

Spectators

Spectators are welcome at Beach Blitz presented by the Gene Haas Foundation this year. As always, the event will be livestreamed for spectators who do not attend in-person. Teams may consider encouraging spectators or scouts to engage from home as appropriate.

Physical Distancing

Rationale: “Small particles that people breathe out can contain virus particles. The closer you are to a greater number of people, the more likely you are to be exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19. To avoid this possible exposure, you may want to avoid crowded areas, or keep distance between yourself and others.”  -CDC

Field Area

Field-side seating will be limited to the following:

• Designated chairs for necessary volunteers (field reset, judges, and event staff)
• Seating for sponsors, VIPs, and members of the media only if space allows

Pit Area

Teams are asked to stay within their own pit area to the extent possible and should always ask permission before entering another team’s pit. Please understand that not all teams have the same comfort level and respect their desires for distancing, masks, and other protocols.

Stands

Please consider those around you when sitting in the stands. Not everyone in attendance will have the same comfort levels. Everyone who wants to wear a mask is welcome to wear a mask and we invite spectators to have an open dialog with those around them to insure everyone’s comfort.

Vaccination & Testing Requirements

Rationale: “Screening testing identifies people with COVID-19 who do not have symptoms or known or suspected exposures, so that steps can be taken to prevent further spread of COVID-19” and “For COVID-19, staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations is the leading public health strategy to prevent severe disease. Not only does it provide individual-level protection, but high vaccination coverage reduces the burden of COVID-19 on people, schools, healthcare systems, and communities.” -CDC 

Entry Requirement

All attendees of Beach Blitz presented by the Gene Haas Foundation will be required to provide proof of full vaccination or proof of a negative test. This requirement applies to all individuals entering Beach Blitz presented by the Gene Haas Foundation, including student team members, adult team members, and volunteers, regardless of age.

Individuals are considered “fully vaccinated” if they meet the CDC definition, meaning they have received both doses of an approved two-dose regimen (Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, Novavax) or a single dose of an approved one-dose vaccine (Janensen/J&J) at least two weeks prior to the start of Beach Blitz presented by the Gene Haas Foundation (completed by October 21, 2022).

To find a vaccination appointment near you, visit myturn.ca.gov today! Those not currently in California can visit vaccines.gov for more info.

Individuals who are not fully vaccinated, or those who wish not to show their proof of vaccination, will be required to present proof of a negative test. Both molecular and antigen tests will be accepted and must be taken within 48 hours of the event.

We encourage participants to factor in turnaround time of molecular tests. Attendees who do not think they will receive results in time for the event should consider using an at-home antigen test. “In process” or inclconsulive results from a lab will not be accepted.

Often covered by insurance, rapid antigen tests can be purchased at many drug stores and pharmacies (about $10-15 each) and provide results in about 15 minutes. If using antigen tests, we recommend waiting to take the test until no more than 24 hours before arriving at the event, but up to 48 hours is acceptable.

To find a testing provider near you, please click here. Please ensure that the test is a PCR test for the presence of Covid-19:

• ✔️Viral antigen (“rapid tests” are often antigen tests) - <= 48 hours before event
• ✔️PCR/NAAT Test (also called molecular test or RT-PCR) - <= 48 hours before
• ❌Antibody tests (usually a blood test)
• ❌Symptom screening (doctor makes an assessment without conducting a test)

Vaccine & testing verification

In an effort to insure the safest possible environment, Beach Blitz presented by the Gene Haas Foundation will be verifying vaccination/testing status. Guidance dated September 15, 2022 continues to recommend verification (as opposed to self attestation).

Proof of vaccination may be provided through any of the following means:

• Physical presentation, scan, or image of a CDC vaccination card

• Individuals vaccinated outside of the United States may provide a different card on the WHO’s list of approved vaccines.

• Physical presentation or screenshot of CDPH digital vaccination record (if you were vaccinated in California, click here to obtain your record)

• This record can be obtained now and saved in Apple Pay/Google Pay for a future date, if desired

• Physical presentation or screenshot of another SMART compliant digital vaccination record

Proof of a negative test may be provided through any of the following means:

• Physical presentation, scan, image, or copy of a test result from a lab certified to conduct tests for the presence of Covid-19
• Time stamped photograph or other proof of results from a self-administered antigen test
• A signed note from a medical provider outlining the type of test, date of the test, result of the test, and attendee name

Attendees will also be asked to show a photo ID that matches their proof of vaccination or negative test.

• Attendees 18 and older should present a government issued ID such as a driver’s license or passport
• Attendees under 18 may present any photo ID showing their name, including a school ID or government issued ID

At the event

Attendees shall show their proof at the event. There is no option to presubmit nor is there an option for mentors to verify on their team’s behalf. Beach Blitz, the Orange County Robotics Alliance, Bots at the Beach, and FIRST will not make copies or take pictures of the proof, just verify it before granting admission. Please keep in mind that this verification will add time to check in, so we encourage you to plan ahead.

Masks

Rationale: As of September 20, 2022, CDPH has aligned with the CDC’s Covid-19 Community Level metric as it relates to mask guidance. Orange County remains stable in the “Low” transmission tier. As such, “People can wear a mask based on personal preference, informed by their own personal level of risk.” Additionally, vulnerable people should take appropriate precautions including ensuring their “mask provides the best fit and filtration (respirators like N95s, KN95s and KN94s are best).” -CDPH

Indoors

Masks are strongly encouraged (but optional) at all times indoors at the venue. Masks should be worn properly, completely covering the nose and mouth.

Anyone who wishes to wear a mask is invited to do so. Everyone is responsible for their personal choice on this item, and the event organizers will not be enforcing any requirements to wear masks.

Outdoors

When in lines or crowded groups, attendees are encouraged to follow the same mask guidance as above.

If outside and at least six (6) feet from individuals outside of your household, attendees may consider removing their mask. It is best practice to keep masks on except when eating or drinking.

Modified Event Functions

All normal event functions (merchandise, concessions, judging, etc.) are back for 2022! All of the policies in this protocol apply to those additional settings. For example, judges may elect to stand farther apart from teams or wear masks while walking around the pits.

Event organizers will optimize ventilation to the greatest extent possible.

Badging and Check In

All attendees, including team members, volunteers, and spectators, will receive a wristband upon check in. Volunteers will check for wristbands at all doors to the venue. Event staff may conduct ad hoc inspections of event areas for wristbands and those not in compliance will be asked to exit and only granted reentry if they provide the relevant proof.

To receive a wristband, attendees must:

• Provide proof of vaccination or test as outlined above; AND
• Confirm they do not have any symptoms of Covid-19

Additionally, volunteers will receive a volunteer badge identifying their name and role.

Attendees do not need to get a new wristband each day. If attendees lose or damage their wristband, they will be required to show proof again to receive a new wristband. Save time at check in by keeping your wristband on for the duration of the event.