COVID-19 Safety Policy

This policy was in place for MINT's Annual Events in Chicago, IL, USA, from October 18-22, 2022.

MINT is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment to participants attending its annual events in person. In-person participants in 2022 were asked to take all reasonable measures to minimize the risk of COVID-19 infection to themselves and others, and to follow COVID-19 requirements:

  • As outlined in the COVID-19 Safety Policy established by the MINT Board of Directors,
  • Of The Palmer House (events venue), and
  • Of local and national public health authorities.

Vaccination Policy

In-person participants in MINT’s 2022 Annual Events (Training of New Trainers, MINT Forum, PreForum Workshops) were required to provide proof of full vaccination for COVID-19 (2 shots of a two-shot vaccine or 1 shot of a one-shot vaccine) PLUS a booster shot completed at least 2 weeks prior to the event.

Participants were permitted to submit a request for exemption from the vaccination requirement based on medical condition or disability by completing and submitting the 2022 MINT Annual Events COVID-19 Vaccination Exemption Request form at least two weeks prior to the event. If granted an exemption, unvaccinated participants were required to:

  1. Wear a compliant face mask (N95, KN95, surgical mask) that completely covers your nose and mouth and fits snugly to the sides of your face and under your chin at all times during the event;
  2. Remain at least six feet away from other persons at all times during the event; and
  3. Test negative for COVID-19 at the time of check-in for the event.

Accepted participants in the 2022 Training of New Trainers who did not meet the vaccination requirement, and who were not granted an exemption due to a medical condition or disability, were not permitted to participate in the 2022 Training of New Trainers. These accepted participants were permitted to defer their TNT participation for up to three years without being required to reapply for the TNT.

MINT members who did not meet the vaccination requirement, and who were not granted an exemption due to a medical condition or disability, were not permitted to participate in the in-person 2022 MINT Forum or PreForum Workshops. These members were invited to attend the Forum and PreForum Workshops remotely (Virtual only).

Masking Policy

Masks were not required at indoor events or on public transportation in the City of Chicago. With the exception of individuals who received an exemption from vaccination due to medical condition or disability or who had been exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19, participants in the 2022 Annual Events were not required to wear a face mask during the events. Members wishing to wear a mask were welcome to do so. The CDC viewed masking as a critical public health tool and advised wearing the most protective mask you can that fits well and that you will wear consistently as part of a broader strategy for reducing the chance of spreading COVID-19.

Physical Distancing

MINT provided all in-person participants with color-coded stickers to place on their name badge. These stickers allowed participants to signal their wishes for physical distance.

The stickers were:

Red Circle = Greet From 6 Feet

Yellow Rectangle = Elbows Only

Green Star = Handshakes and Hugs

Use of stickers was voluntary, other than for members required to adhere to the physical distancing policy (members with an approved medical or disability exemption to the vaccination requirement or who had been exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19). Members who chose not to display a sticker communicated their wishes verbally or otherwise.

Screening at the Event

On the day before check-in for the event, participants were required to complete the following screening questions.

  1. In the past 5 days, have you experienced COVID-19 symptoms OR tested positive for COVID-19?
  2. In the past 5 days, have people with whom you have had close contact (i.e., within six feet for 15 minutes or more), like someone who lives in your house, a relative, a friend, or a co-worker, tested positive for COVID-19 OR had any COVID-19 symptoms?

IF NO TO QUESTIONS 1 AND 2: You may participate in the in-person event.

IF YES TO QUESTION 1: CDC guidelines require you to stay at home and isolate from others for 5 days after you have had:

  • a positive COVID-19 test, or
  • COVID-19 symptoms.

This means you may not attend this event in person.

  • TNT Participants: There is no remote participation option for the TNT. You may attend a TNT in 2023, 2024, or 2025 without being required to reapply for the TNT.
  • MINT Forum Participants: Your in-person registration fee will be refunded. You may only participate remotely.

IF NO TO QUESTIONS 1 AND YES TO QUESTION 2: CDC guidelines require you to wear a face mask that completely covers your nose and mouth and fits snugly to the sides of your face and under your chin, and remain at least six feet away from other persons, for 10 days after you have been exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19.

Do you agree to:

  1. Wear a compliant face mask (N95, KN95, surgical mask) that completely covers your nose and mouth and fits snugly to the sides of your face and under your chin at all times during the event?
  2. Place a Red Circle sticker on your name badge and remain at least six feet from other persons at all times during this event?
  • IF YES: You may attend this event in person. Failure to adhere to the masking and physical distancing policy will result in the termination of your permission to attend this event in person. In that instance, you may only participate remotely.
  • IF NO: You are not permitted to attend this event in person. You may only participate in the MINT Forum remotely.


2022 MINT Annual Events COVID-19 Vaccination Exemption Request.pdf

Go to top