Still COVIDing Meetup TO

Welcome to Still COVIDING Meetup TO, where we follow the science and prioritize the health & well-being of our community members, especially persons with disabilities, immunocompromised individuals, and others at higher risk from COVID-19.

To ensure a safe environment for all, we request that all participants follow rigorous precautions both within and outside the group. This includes always wearing KN95/N95 respirators (or equivalent) in public indoor spaces and staying up-to-date with vaccinations, for all those that are able.

❤️We are an inclusive, respectful and safe space for all. We do not allow discrimination based on any of the protected grounds of the Ontario Human Rights Code. Additionally, we recognize that COVID-19 and Long COVID disproportionately affect marginalized communities, including 2SLGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and the economically underserved.

Finances: There are no membership fees to join. If you are able, donations to our Meetup GoFundMe are appreciated when you join the group, and then once per year after that. These funds help to pay for yearly Meetup fees and event incidentals.

Please note the following overarching policies in effect for this group. (Individual events may include additional policies):

😷Health & Safety Protocols
• Do not attend if you are experiencing any symptoms of illness, excluding chronic conditions, OR have been in close contact with someone suspected or confirmed of having COVID-19.
• Masking during indoor events is mandatory.
• Masking during outdoor events is optional but encouraged.
• Some events require a same day negative rapid or NAAT test result to attend.

🚨Event Structure & Risk Reduction
• The majority of events take place outdoors to minimize risk.
• Indoor events may be considered if measures such as mandatory masking, air filtration and/or ventilation are in place.
• In-person events are intentionally limited in size to lower exposure risk.

🩷Accessibility & Inclusivity
• Efforts are made to ensure events are accessible. Accessibility information will be provided in the event description and allows those with physical or neurodiverse needs the time to prepare.
• FREE N95 masks and rapid tests are provided, upon request.

📸Privacy & Consent
• Taking and/or posting photos of members while attending events requires explicit prior consent.

🎟️Attendance & Participation Expectations
• RSVP required to attend - By RSVP-ing you agree to the policies outlined for each event.
• Update your RSVP if unable to attend. After several no shows you may be asked to leave the group.
• Punctuality is appreciated. Please communicate about any last-minute issues. If you are late, it will be your responsibility to find the group.

♻️Environmental Responsibility
• In-person events follow a strict Leave No Trace mindset.

💲Cost & General Access:
• Most events are free to attend. Some low-fee ticketed events may be offered.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to the Organizers by sending a direct message (DM) to the Still COVIDing Meetup TO account. Also, please contact us if you would like an item to be posted on the Meetup Discussions board.

ℹ️We are not affiliated with the Facebook group Still COVIDing Toronto, but we encourage our members to join.

Let’s collectively create an environment that fosters both connection and safety for all members!

We acknowledge the land we meet on is the traditional territory of many First Peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples. We also acknowledge that Tkaronto, now known as Toronto, is covered by Treaty 13 and the Williams Treaties. We recognize those who were brought involuntarily and how the metropolitan area was built on stolen Indigenous lands as well as the appropriated labour of Black, Indigenous, and other racialized Peoples.