On August 30th, 2023, Midwest FurFest released their updated COVID policy for the upcoming Nov. 30 – Dec. 3 convention. The new policy can be seen here:

https://www.furfest.org/attend/covid-19

MFF is walking away from their previous COVID policies. They are not the only furry con to do; see also DenFur and Furry Weekend Atlanta. Since the start of the COVID pandemic, there was a pattern of wise, protective, and reasonable COVID policies at furry conventions across the world. This trend was something the furry fandom could be proud of: by protecting more vulnerable members of the fandom from the harmful effects of COVID, we made the fandom a safer, happier place.

But now, over three years after the pandemic started, it seems like people want to try and move on. Unfortunately, a new wave of highly infectious variants is being seen in North America and elsewhere. We as a community cannot pretend COVID still isn't an issue, even if many governments are doing their damnedest to pretend it's not.

MFF is typically the largest furry convention of the year. Without reasonable COVID policies in place, this convention will be a "superspreader" event. COVID can have devastating effects on those with chronic illnesses, a compromised immune system, the young, the elderly, the neurodivergent, and the disabled. Protecting ourselves and others from COVID is important! This move by MFF to abandon a COVID policies that has been effective & easy sends a disturbing message: MFF does not value or care about the health of its attendees, volunteers, vendors, or staff.

I would encourage everyone in the furry fandom to reach out to MFF's Health and Safety email: hs[at]furfest.org (don't worry, MFF has shared this email publicly and told people to direct their concerns and question there).

To protect ourselves and those we love... we need the following:

1. A mask mandate for everyone attending MFF and future furry cons, at least until this latest COVID variant outbreak isn't a threat.
2. Require up-to-date COVID vaccinations and boosters. And for those who cannot get these vaccinations, a recent negative COVID test. Even a relatively cheap at-home test would be acceptable, I feel.

If these policy changes are not implemented, MFF and other future furry cons with bad COVID policies are putting many members of the furry fandom at risk.