[Cynnabar] Signs of reopening

[Malachy von Ulm via Barony]

Dearest Barony,

For those of you not on Facebook, the Society has given its initial
announcement of plans to reopen activities.  The implementation of those
plans will vary across the Society based on local guidance from the Kingdoms
and relevant agencies.

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Our words for the Barony:

Yesterday, we had the simultaneous news of the initial reopening plans for
the Society, and reports of a local pandemic spike.[1]
Much like a long car journey, "Are we there yet?!" No... not yet. But the
end of the journey is at least in sight.
Meanwhile, we get to contemplate novel things. For instance, "Does this mask
go with my garb?"
While we don't expect to know much more about the Kingdom's plans for
reopening, we do expect that this will be a topic people will want to
discuss. Our next Baronial business meeting is April 15.
Our siege will end. Meanwhile, take care of yourselves and others until we
can safely be with each other again.

- Malachy and Óláfr

[1] Washtenaw County Health Department update for the County, April 1, 2021
    https://www.facebook.com/wcpublichealth/posts/10159184279668529

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The words of Master Cerridwen, Middle Kingdom Seneschal:

Greetings Midrealm,
Below is a recent announcement regarding the potential reopening of the SCA,
Inc. as of June 1, 2021, and minimum requirements established by the Board
of Directors to having such events.  Please note that the ULTIMATE plan for
re-opening and holding events is UP TO EACH KINGDOM.  With these guidelines,
Curia, the Crown, and myself will evaluate the best course of action and the
timing for Midrealm events to happen.  We will advise on the MIDREALM’S PLAN
FOR RE-OPENING once we have had a chance to consider many factors including
current uptick in COVID cases, how we can safely and practically gather,
what protocols must be in place, and the minimum guidelines as required by
the Board of Directors.  We will share as soon as we practically can. 
Yours in Service,
Master Cerridwen verch Ioreword
Middle Kingdom Seneschal

https://www.facebook.com/groups/Midrealm/permalink/10159029286071181/

-----

The Society post in question:

>From the  Board of Directors and the offices of the Society Seneschal, and
President.

On March 23, 2021, the Board of Directors passed the following:

Resolution to Lift Suspension of In-Person Activity in the SCA as of June
1st, 2021  

I.   Whereas the challenge created by the COVID-19 Global Pandemic demanded
     heightened safety standards which led to a suspension of in-person
     activity in North America by the SCA Board of Directors; 
II.  Whereas the crisis of the Pandemic is being addressed through a
     combination of social policy, as well as scientific and medical
     advancements; 
III. Whereas the SCA Board of Directors continues to prioritize the health
     and well-being of the membership and participants of the SCA; and 
IV.  Whereas the directed suspension of in-person events in North America
     expires after May 31st, 2021; now, therefore, be it 
V.   Resolved,  that the SCA Board of Directors lifts the suspension of
     in-person activity in North America, effective June 1, 2021, provided
     adherence to the items in this resolution; 
VI.  Resolved, that all attendees in North America must follow all province,
     territory, state, and local health guidelines at SCA events. In
     addition, at all North American SCA events: 

  A.    Masks that fully cover the mouth and nose must be worn by all
	attendees over the age of 4 at all times and during all activities
	except for eating and drinking; 
   B.   Court, bardic circles, or any activity that involves voice
	projection shall also require that masks be worn at all times. Sound
	amplification devices are highly recommended; 
   C.   No day board, water-bearing, or food of any kind shall be provided
	by event staff or attendees to other attendees. All attendees must
	provide their own food and beverages; 
   D.   While consuming food or beverages, attendees are required to remain
        stationary and follow social distancing rules; 
   E.   No overnight camping  shall be allowed; 
   F.   All events shall be held outdoors; 
   G.   There shall be a maximum of 150 people at any event; and 
   H.   All events shall require preregistration.  

VII. Resolved, that the SCA Board of Directors mandates applicable Kingdoms
     who have determined that it is safe to host in-person events before
     June 1st, 2021 or who propose any deviation from the above restrictions
     to request a variance from the Society Seneschal in order to hold the
     proposed event. The Society Seneschal shall have the authority to grant
     or deny these requests. These requests will be reviewed by the Board
     using the same review method used for variances to Corpora; 
VIII.Resolved, that small local gatherings including, but not limited to:
     guild meetings, officer meetings, and local martial activities
     including archery and thrown weapons shall remain at the discretion of
     the Crown and Kingdom Seneschal, in accordance with province,
     territory, state, and local health guidelines. Virtual events as
     alternatives continue to be a viable option; 
IX.  Resolved, that enforcement of this resolution will be handled by the
     Society Seneschal and President of SCA Inc.; and, 
X.   Resolved, that the SCA Board of Directors commends the hard-working
     officers, royalty, membership, and participants who have allowed the
     SCA to continue to flourish virtually as we lift this suspension and
     transition forward in a manner consistent with recommended health and
     safety standards.   

The President and the Society Seneschal have been given the responsibility
of implementing the resumption of events within the rules above and
adjusting the strictures as needed with Board approval. 

As per item (H) in the Resolution, SCA, Inc. has available the Event Module
for the mandatory pre-registration process.  All kingdoms are encouraged to
utilize this tool. More information will be forthcoming from the SCA
Accounting Specialist, Mazelle Attiya.  If you would like to contact her
about this available option, she can be reached at mazelle at sca.org.

Questions or comments should be sent directly to president at sca.org and
seneschal at sca.org or your board Ombudsman.

This is our first step toward the resumption of SCA events.  Working with
the corporate officers and with input from the various kingdoms, we will
continue to assess the pandemic environment and make changes going forward
as needed, either to add further restrictions or relax existing ones as the
situation allows.

No matter what safety precautions we put in place, there is no substitute
for each individual being educated about the risk to themselves and their
loved ones, and making responsible choices to protect themselves and others
from this virus.

We look forward to seeing many of you, in person and in garb, as we prepare
to begin in-person events again.


https://www.sca.org/news/resolutiontoliftsuspensionapril2021


-- 
Malachy

"Ancient nightmares. Archaic legends.  Enigmatic dreams. All of it is true."
Abney Park - All the Myths are True.