Health and Safety

For NWMUN-Seattle 2024, the Health and Safety protocols are planned to be identical to 2023. Last year, the protocols were significantly changed relative to 2021-2022 due to:

• The continuation and evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic

• The success of NWMUN's policy, for the last four conferences, of collecting vaccination mandate data from attending delegations, and data showing that the overwhelming majority (80+%) of colleges/universities attending the conference have a vaccination mandate in place (and that NWMUN attendees from these colleges have had their vaccinations verified by their college or university)

• Increased concern around non-COVID diseases, in particular the flu.

As a result, NWMUN-Seattle 2024 will be loosening its vaccination policy relative to previous years, while maintaining its mask policy. This will be the default policy for NWMUN-Portland 2025, unless changed by the NWA Board of Directors between November 25, 2024-February 13, 2025.

Mask policy:

• Mask usage will be required at all times while on the floors of the hotel where the conference is taking place, and is suggested for the duration of time attendees are at the conference (including in the lobby, hotel rooms, etc.) Masks may be removed by speakers, at their discretion, while giving a speech.

• Masks may be lowered to take a drink. Masks may be removed while eating during breaks.

• The NWMUN-Seattle Executive Secretariat and NWA Board of Directors have determined that a social event can occur with adapted Health and Safety protocols. At the Delegate Lounge, masks are strongly encouraged but not required in any way. (This applies as well to head delegates and faculty attending the Leadership Reception.)

Vaccination policy:

• NWMUN-Seattle 2024 does not require vaccines to attend. However, we do strongly encourage that attendees receive the full course of vaccines for COVID-19, including applicable boosters, as well as the annual flu shot, by November 8, 2024 (to allow for the full extent of the immunity provided by the vaccines before people begin gathering at the hotel for the conference).