Health & Safety

Masks

Masks are recommended, but not required, to be worn at the event.

Vaccine OR Negative COVID-19 Testing

There is no requirement to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to attend the event in person, however we do recommend testing prior to joining the event in person to best protect the community and yourself.

All in-person attendance requirements are subject to change based on local guidelines.

Please expect the following measures to be in place at the event.

• Onsite cleaning and sanitizing of all touch points
• Sanitized microphones between each speaker’s use
• Plentiful sanitation stations onsite and personal hand sanitizer bottles and wipes available for participants
• Wearable Indicators of Social Distance Comfort Levels
  • We will provide a wearable indicator of social distance comfort levels for event participants to wear onsite (optional but encouraged). Participants are asked to be respectful of each other’s comfort level on social distance.
• The Linux Foundation does not allow firearms or other weapons, regardless of whether they are permitted or not, or whether they are concealed or not, to be brought into our events. By registering for the event, you are agreeing that you understand this policy and will not bring a firearm or other weapons into the event.

At a minimum, we will be following all government and venue guidelines. This list, and all protocols, are subject to change should there be a change in government regulations.

If you are traveling from abroad, review the entry requirements from your country of origin here. Currently there are no vaccination or testing requirements to enter Canada. The requirements may change so continue to check back regularly.

Vancouver is known for its diversity and friendliness. Easily walkable, the city offers countless attractions and experiences. Nevertheless, it’s always good to take precautions when visiting a new city.   To ensure safer travels not only here, but anywhere you may visit, we offer some suggestions below.

Be Smart, Be Safe: Follow the below tips to keep safe on Vancouver’s busy streets

• When walking around the city, remember to take off your conference badge.
• Safety in numbers: Exploring the city can be safer when done with a friend or colleague.
• Walk with purpose and stick to well-lit areas and on main streets.  
• If alone after dark, use a ride service such as Lyft, Uber or a taxi. 
• Save the address and phone number of where you’re staying in your phone.
• Be aware of your surroundings and keep your eyes up and not on your phone.
• If something doesn’t feel right, walk into a business/hotel for help.
• Be careful and alert when using a cash machine.
• Carry your purse or wallet safely. Purses should be closed and held in front of your body. Wallets should be carried in a front pants pocket or in an interior jacket pocket.

What should I do if I am onsite and not feeling well?

If you aren’t feeling well, please watch for COVID-19 symptoms. Depending on your symptoms and how unwell you feel, please take an at-home COVID-19 test (we highly recommend traveling with your own tests) or go to the nearest testing facility, urgent care, or hospital.

If you have chest pain or shortness of breath, we advise you to call 911 or go directly to the Emergency Room.

Should you end up testing positive for COVID-19:

• Follow the guidance of the testing facility, urgent care, or hospital that you visited in order to best protect yourself, as well as the community.
• You will not be able to return to the event.
• Email Angela Brown, SVP & GM of Events, at angela@linuxfoundation.org, to let us know. While we will need to let event participants know that someone onsite tested positive for COVID-19, we will not disclose your name.

Do I need to be vaccinated or show proof of a negative COVID-19 test to attend?

No. You do not have to be vaccinated or show proof of a negative COVID-19 test to enter the event. However, we do encourage attendees to test of their own accord.

Will I be required to wear a mask?

No, you are not required to wear a mask at any time during the event, however we do recommend it.

Are vendors and staff working the event required to be vaccinated, show proof of a negative COVID-19 test or wear a mask?

No, legally we are not able to require any employees from vendors working onsite at events (including but not limited to venue staff, catering, security, A/V, trade show contractor, etc.) to wear masks, or to show proof of vaccination or a negative test.

Will you be providing personal protective equipment (PPE) onsite?

We will have hand sanitizer stations throughout the venue, and personal hand sanitizer bottles/wipes available upon request. If you would like to wear a mask while onsite at the event, we ask you to provide your own, however we will have some available onsite at registration for those that need them.

Can I pick up badges for colleagues this year?

No, though this has nothing to do with Health & Safety protocols at this point. We have never allowed the pickup of another person’s badge to reinforce that badge swapping is not acceptable practice and all onsite participants needed to be registered to attend.

How are you communicating the number of COVID-19 cases reported onsite?

We will communicate via email to all registered in-person attendees when we receive notification of the first and second positive case onsite or post-event. After (if applicable) a second notification, we will discontinue notifications for all additional cases reported. We will include a final cumulative number of reported cases in the post-event transparency report.

How are you tracking COVID-19 cases onsite?

We request that attendees notify us at events@linuxfoundation.org if they test positive during the event or within ten days post event, though they are not required to do so. Personal information will be kept confidential unless we are permitted to share it.

Who can I contact with additional questions if my questions aren’t answered here?

You can contact us at events@linuxfoundation.org.