Global Gathering COVID-19 Policy

While we are in a much better situation than we were in 2020, COVID-19 is still around and the virus is circulating in all countries. However, simultaneously, the increasing spread of flu, RSV, Mpox, and other communicable diseases still warrant us to make sure that we are taking all necessary precautions.

Below please find specific information about entry requirements, event-specific protocols, and other useful information to ensure a safe and healthy event for all participants.

Note: due to the changing nature of variants and entry requirements, this policy may change to reflect current travel requirements and CDC / WHO recommendations.

Prior to Travel

The health and well-being of everyone in our community is our top priority. With that in mind, we ask that you please not attend if any of the following occurs prior to traveling for the event:

• You test positive for COVID-19, RSV, flu, or strep throat
• You feel unwell or are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
  • chest discomfort, chills, cough, decrease in appetite, diarrhea, fatigue (tiredness), fever or feeling feverish, headache, muscle or body aches, new loss of taste or smell, rash, runny or stuffy nose, skin lesions, sneezing, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, vomiting, weakness, wheezing
• You or someone in your household have come in close contact with someone who has mpox symptoms, or tested positive for COVID-19/RSV/flu/strep throat within five days prior to the event

We will also be asking all attendees to confirm that none of the above has been experienced prior to entry to the Global Gathering, and that you have tested negative for COVID-19 at least 72 hours prior to travel. If you are unable to attend in person due to any of the above, please email [email protected].  

The Global Gathering will also have a limited supply of face masks and COVID-19 test kits for those who are unable to get these items for themselves. However, we ask that participants who have the means to bring / purchase face masks and at-home test kits for their use to do so, so that the Global Gatherings’ supply can be prioritized for those who cannot purchase these items themselves.

Traveling to Portugal

Entry into Portugal

In Portugal, most COVID-19 health measures have been lifted and providing proof of full vaccination, recovery from COVID-19 or a negative test result is not required to access public spaces.

Portuguese Government Mask Mandates

The use of facemasks is no longer required to access health facilities and services, long-term care facilities, nursing homes and similar structures.

People who have COVID-19 and have no or mild symptoms should wear a surgical facemask on all occasions for 10 days (5 days after the onset of symptoms or after the positive test result, plus 5 additional days after the end of physical distancing).

Please note: while Portuguese law allows for people to no longer quarantine for mild COVID-19 cases, the Global Gathering does not allow for anyone testing positive for COVID-19 to enter the event.

Testing on Arrival

If you wish to test for COVID-19 shortly after your arrival in Lisbon, you can:

• Take a test at the Lisbon Airport (more information: https://www.ana.pt/en/lis/services-shopping/essential-services/health-services)
• Visit a pharmacy throughout Lisbon to pick up a rapid test kit. You can also find combination COVID/Flu test kits to help you better identify what could be causing your symptoms. The following pharmacy is a 5-minute walk from the GG venue:

Farmácia do Parque

R. das Arcadas do Parque 15 e 16, 2765-266 Estoril

Monday-Friday 9:00-20:00

Saturday 9:00-14:00

+351214667031

• Contact the Global Gathering team at [email protected] if you are unable to purchase a test.

Global Gathering Safety Protocols

Prior to Your Arrival at the Global Gathering

For the health and safety of all participants, the Global Gathering venue will be in an outside facility (to ensure ventilation) with ample space to ensure that participants can be adequately distanced.

To be equitable to all participants, and in accordance with local regulations, we will be asking all participants to attest to the following prior to arrival:

• I have tested negative for COVID-19/RSV/flu/strep throat at least 72 hours before my trip

-OR-

• I have not been exposed to any individual who has tested positive for COVID-19/RSV/flu/strep throat, or I have not displayed any symptoms of these diseases or Mpox in the past 5 days.

Attestations can be done with the pseudonym provided upon registration. The attestations will be done as part of the check-in process, and at the beginning of each day.

At the Event

At any time during the event, if you experience any of the following symptoms, we ask that you please depart the event and recover at your hotel or other lodging:

• chest discomfort, chills, cough, decrease in appetite, diarrhea, fatigue (tiredness), fever or feeling feverish, headache, muscle or body aches, new loss of taste or smell, rash, runny or stuffy nose, skin lesions, sneezing, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, vomiting, weakness, wheezing

Once your symptoms have recovered and/or you’ve tested negative for COVID-19 for five days, you may return to the event. Additional COVID-19 test kits and face masks will also be available to anyone who is unable to purchase them.

After the Event

If you test positive for COVID-19 within five days of the completion of the Global Gathering, please email [email protected] (subject: positive test) immediately so we can alert attendees of potential exposure.

Acknowledgement of Risks

Due to the nature of COVID-19 and other communicable diseases, we are unable to guarantee a disease-free environment or fully eliminate the chance of infection and the health risks associated with it. By attending the Global Gathering, you acknowledge and assume the risks involved.