Ready to play some Pokemon? Then you need to get vaccinated.
Live events are coming back to Pokemon from the TCG to VGC starting as early as next month. With that said, The Pokemon Company International has updated their COVID-19 protocols to ensure that everybody who attends a Pokemon event will be safe.
These protocols are expected to be followed at all Play! Pokemon events. This includes local play such as Leagues, League Challenges and League Cups. They will also be enforced at larger events such as Regionals, Internationals and Worlds. Players and Staff are expected to to follow these protocols if they wish to participate in Play! Pokemon events.
Updated COVID-19 Protocols
Below are the standouts and updates when it comes to the updated protocols.
- All players and staff must wear an appropriate face mask at all times.
- Cloth masks alone are not consider sufficient and must wear a surgical mask or respirator that meet international standards. If you are to wear a cloth mask then you must wear a surgical mask under it. In other words, double mask.
- Eating and drinking at inside events are forbidden.
- The only exception to this rule is in areas that are clearly separated food service areas.
- Players must sanitize their hands prior to facing a new opponent each ride. They are also to skip the traditional handshake. Matches need to take part 3 feet apart from other players.
- For Premier events (Regionals, Internationals and Worlds), all attendees and staff must be full vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination.
- A booster shot is needed if your most recently dose was 7 months or more prior to the event. You will need to have received your booster or vaccine at least two weeks before the start of the event.
- Players at Premier Events must provide a negative COVID-19 test result along with their proof of vaccination. They will the choice of two ways to provide a negative COVID-19 test.
- 1 PCR test result within 72 hours of the event start date.
- 2 Negative antigen or lateral flow tests results taken on consecutive days, at least 1 of which must be from within 72 hours of the start of the event.
- Symptomatic individuals, even if vaccinated, should refrain from participating in an event. Symptomatic participants and those with whom they share accommodations may be asked to leave the event, even if asymptomatic.
- All event attendees must socially distance and comply with local regulations.
Pokemon will strictly enforce these rules and regulations. If you cannot or refuse to wear a mask then you will not be able to participate in Play! Pokemon events.
This also includes if you are unable to be vaccinated or refuse to.
Local Play
There has been no word on when League Play or local tournaments may resume. Though, Pokemon has made it clear that no more then 30 individuals (including players and spectators) can be at the event. Venue and event staff are not counted in this number.
Also, signs must be posted at each pubic entrance in clear view. These signs must advice individuals of the most recent known COVID-19 symptoms. Another sign is needed to ask symptomatic individuals regardless of vaccination status to not enter the event.
Lastly, all who are present at the event (players, audience and staff) must wear appropriate face masks at all times during the event. Refuse to do so will result in being removed from the event.
Tournament Organizers will need to provide documentation to TPCi to prove that proper guidelines are being enforced. This will be done by request. TOs will need to do this by providing photos, videos or livestream of the following: Required signage, event space and notice of food and beverage requirements or lack of availability.
Surely we are all looking forward to the return of live events. Though, Pokemon is making sure that all players and staff can return without worry of catching COVID-19. In the least, to minimize the chance of spread at their events.
Best of luck players are you continue or start your road to Worlds 2022 in London!
Source: Pokemon
