DEF CON 31 Policy | Fact sheet: Masks | Fact sheet: Tests | Fact Sheet: What if you test positive?
This year, the situation continues to evolve. COVID 19 remains with us, but it’s slowly making the turn from pandemic to endemic. Bivalent vaccinations are widely available, antiviral interventions are more plentiful and we know more about how to increase safety by managing airflow.
As a result, we’re adapting our protocols for DEF CON 31. The meeting space air handlers use Merv 13 filters for better filtration of particulate matter, the air handler coils are cleaned regularly, and we’re adding additional air filters to the areas likely to get crowded.
We will have masks on hand for anyone who needs them as well as a finite number of test kits onsite as well. There will be lists of resources for testing and treatment available in the program and at the Info Booth.
Wearing a mask remains the safest option, but with these changes our policy is masks strongly recommended.
We appreciate the DEF CON Community pulling together to keep each other healthy, and we trust you’ll continue to look after one another. The situation isn’t quite back to normal so be safe out there, and we’ll see you very soon.
Thank you,
The Dark Tangent
Fact sheet: Masks
Covid is in the expelled breath of infected individuals and lingers in unventilated spaces. Masks are one of the best prevention tools we have.
Covid has evolved into newer, highly contagious strains that require well-fitted, high protection masks. Cloth (like bandanas) and surgical masks are now inadequate for protection.
Recommended masks include:
- K95, KN95, KF94
- FFP2
- All NIOSH-approved N95 and N99
- Reusable elastomeric N95 and KN95 respirator masks
A well-fitted mask is one that forms a seal over the nose and mouth to prevent contaminated air from getting in. Make sure there are no air leaks around the edges of your mask. With a respirator, like a Flo Mask, you can test for leaks by placing your hand over the filter, breathing in and out, and you'll easily feel where the mask is not sealed. A mask worn below the nose is like wearing no mask at all.
You know the meme: "Your threat model is not my threat model." This is equally true for highly contagious viruses and diverse communities. The more people masking in any space, the lower the risk for those most at-risk.
Per Project N95: "In the world of Covid-19, there is plenty of information regarding masking. We know that with so much information available, it can be confusing to decide what masks will best help protect you and others. We have compiled resources and information on different types of masks (including N95s, KN95s, KF94s, etc.) and how to find one that is right for you." See their Mask Information guides for further resources, information, guides, research, a vast array of tested and trusted masking options, and more.
Project N95 guides: https://www.projectn95.org/guides/
Fact sheet: Tests
This fact sheet covers the two most common Covid tests, what has changed about testing within the past year, and how to get a more accurate test result.
The most common type of Covid test is a Rapid Antigen Test, or RAT test, also called an "at home" test. These provide quick results and are readily available over the counter in pharmacies.
The other types are molecular PCR (polymerase chain reaction) or NAAT (nucleic acid amplification) tests; these detect genetic material. They are typically performed in a laboratory and are considered the most reliable tests.
A positive Covid test means you are infected, that you are contagious, and that the air you expel is a risk to others.
Not everyone who is infected shows or feels symptoms. Because of this it is possible to have Covid and not know it, putting your community at risk and eclipsing you from detecting any post-Covid conditions you may develop.
You are more likely to get a false "negative" result than a false "positive" Covid test result.
You may get a false negative result if you test "too soon" after exposure or infection (similar to a pregnancy test). This is why you may have read that at-home tests tend to miss early infections. If you believe you may have been infected, or want to be absolutely sure you are not infected, it is advised to "serial test" for at least 3-5 days in a row.
Much like the virus itself, Covid testing has changed since the beginning of the pandemic. Previous guidance for rapid tests included only a nasal swab. We now know that the viral load of Omicron peaks later in the nose than it does in the throat.
Canadian public health began advising citizens to perform combined oral and nasal sampling to increase test sensitivity and accuracy in February 2022. Ontario Health recommends:
If swabbing your mouth and nose (combined oral and nasal method):
- Do NOT eat, drink, chew gum, smoke, or vape for at least 30 minutes before
- Blow your nose before the test
- Wash your hands; hold the end of the swab opposite the soft tip
- Insert the soft swab tip between inner cheeks and lower gums and turn the swab a few times
- Rub the swab on your tongue as far back in your throat as is comfortable. Optional: You may choose to swab the back of your throat and tonsils
- Insert the swab into your nose. Make sure the swab tip is fully inside
- Rotate the swab several times against the wall of the nose and let it sit for a few seconds to absorb nasal secretions
- Repeat for the other nostril
- Immediately place the swab into the test tube following the kit instructions
Source: https://www.ontariohealth.ca/sites/ontariohealth/files/2022-02/COVID-19RapidAntigenTests-HowtoCollectaSample.pdf [Instructions edited for brevity.]
Fact sheet: What if you test positive?
If you test positive for Covid and have a primary care physician, make that your first call, text, or email.
Currently the CDC's Test to Treat locator tool shows 327 locations that can provide Paxlovid. Some can provide a telehealth appointment with a provider to assess eligibility; other locations require a prescription before arriving.
Test to Treat locator tool: https://covid-19-test-to-treat-locator-dhhs.hub.arcgis.com/
Alternately, Las Vegas has a wide variety of 24-hour concierge medical practices with in-room doctor visits, prescription services, and most accept credit cards.
Concierge medical services: https://www.yelp.com/search?cflt=health&find_near=the-colosseum-at-caesars-palace-las-vegas-2
Notify anyone you may have exposed.
You are now infectious. Do not expose others to covid. Isolate yourself and continue to test daily until you get a negative result: that is how you will know you are no longer contagious and pose a risk. If you do not have access to testing, the gold standard for covid isolation is ten days after you first experience symptoms. Wear a mask if you must go out.
Per the People's CDC guide What to Do if You Have Covid:
"The specific home remedies most helpful to you will depend on the symptoms you’re experiencing, but may include: over the counter pain relievers and fever reducers; cough suppressants and lozenges; and medicine to help you manage an upset stomach.
It is incredibly important to rest as much as possible both during and after your infection, as this appears to help with recovery and could potentially help prevent Long Covid. In general, we recommend that you avoid as much physical and mental exertion as possible both while you actively have Covid and in the weeks following your infection."
Reference: https://peoplescdc.org/2023/01/10/what-to-do-if-you-have-covid-short-version/