With the annual dance marathon now just two weeks away, THON released a good chunk of information on its latest COVID-19 protocols.

From select vaccination requirements to mandatory masking, here’s everything you’ll need to know if you’re heading to the Bryce Jordan Center for THON 2022:

COVID-19 Vaccinations

As previously announced, THON will require all Penn State students and employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 if they’re accessing the BJC’s floor or mezzanine. That includes THON 2022’s 667 dancers, too.

Additionally, spectators ages 2 and older will need to show proof of vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test from Wednesday, February 16, onward. Acceptable forms of proof of vaccination include a physical vaccine card or an image of a vaccine card. Fully vaccinated students can access such an image through myUHS.

Booster dose(s) are not required to meet THON 2022’s vaccination requirements. However, they’re “strongly encouraged.”

Masking

All families, spectators, volunteers, and dancers at THON 2022 will need to wear masks at all times, regardless of their vaccination status. Those guidelines match Penn State’s indoor masking protocol.

Getting Tested

All THON 2022 dancers and volunteers will need to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test dated no earlier than Wednesday, February 16. They’re also required to follow any vaccine requirement that might apply.

Penn State students and employees can get tested for free at the White Building. THON is asking them to get tested on Friday, February 18, to “maintain normal operations of the White Building” and likely avoid overcrowding.

The White Building will expand its hours leading up to THON Weekend. It’ll adhere to the following hours:

• 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. — Wednesday, February 16, to Friday, February 18
• 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Saturday, February 19

Unvaccinated Penn State students and employees are asked to complete their mandatory weekly COVID-19 testing from Wednesday, February 16, onward.

Upon submitting proof of a negative test, students and employees will receive a wristband that’ll grant them entrance to the BJC.

Four Diamonds Families can access limited testing at the BJC’s visitors’ center (located at the corner of E. Park Avenue and Porter Road) on the following schedule:

• 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. — Friday, February 18
• 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Saturday, February 19
• 8 a.m. to noon (or once BJC capacity is reached) — Sunday, February 20

Getting In

General spectators who are not fully vaccinated and are not students or employees will need to bring a negative COVID-19 test and a valid photo ID to the BJC’s visitors’ center (located at the corner of E. Park Avenue and Porter Road) before gaining entrance to THON 2022.

Valid tests must be administered no earlier than Wednesday, February 16. Self-administered or at-home rapid tests will not be accepted.

THON will provide wristbands for BJC entrance after spectators submit proof of a negative test.

Four Diamonds Families can access limited testing at the BJC’s visitors’ center (located at the corner of E. Park Avenue and Porter Road) on the following schedule:

• 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. — Friday, February 18
• 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Saturday, February 19
• 8 a.m. to noon (or once BJC capacity is reached) — Sunday, February 20

Who Can Attend THON 2022?

Only Four Diamonds families whose children are not actively receiving cancer treatment can attend THON 2022 in person. Case-by-case decisions for families require written consent from their respective treatment providers.

Spectators and volunteers are permitted on-site as long as they follow the protocols outlined above.

To Sum It All Up…

THON Dancers/Volunteers…

• Need to be vaccinated if they’re accessing the BJC floor or mezzanine
• Are required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test from no earlier than Wednesday, February 16
• Must wear masks at all times inside the BJC

Student/Employee Spectators…

• Need to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination OR a negative COVID-19 test administered no earlier than Wednesday, February 16
  • Must provide a photo ID matching vaccine card
• Must wear masks at all times inside the BJC

Non-Student/Employee Spectators Ages 2+…

• Must show proof of COVID-19 vaccination OR negative test results and a valid photo ID at the BJC’s visitors’ center to receive a wristband for admission
  • Tests must be dated February 16 or later, and they can’t be self-administered or at-home rapid tests
  • Must provide a photo ID matching vaccine card if you don’t have a negative test
• Must wear masks at all times inside the BJC

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THON 2022 will stretch from Friday, February 18, through Sunday, February 20. Although it’s back in person this year, a livestream will be available at THON.org for anyone who’s unable to attend.

Check out THON’s full list of COVID-19 protocols online.