COVID-19 information
February 10, 2023
Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
The widespread availability of vaccines and improved treatments for COVID have decreased the intensity of the majority of COVID cases and reduced the strain on the healthcare system. As the national COVID climate shifts away from emergency measures toward endemic management, we are optimistic that it is time for us to do the same within our Order.
Note that these changes are NOT because COVID is no longer a threat. COVID remains highly contagious and the long-term effects, including but not limited to “long COVID,” remain poorly understood. As of the date of this policy change, the CDC reports a seven-day average of more than 40,000 new cases and just under 500 deaths per day; due to the widespread availability of home testing, many new cases are not captured in this data.
New! Effective immediately:
Regardless of county status, local bodies may conduct business as usual. There are no mandatory protocols or required dispensation.
Local Masters, Chapter Leaders, and U.S.G.L. may opt to implement additional measures at their own discretion based on local conditions.
Regarding additional measures, the leadership should consider (1) local transmission rates, (2) status of health care resources, (3) advice from state and local public health authorities, and (4) any unique needs of local members.
For all initiations, the leadership shall use best efforts to respect the well-being of the candidates.
Regionally assigned S.G.I.G. continue to be available to advise on appropriate local restrictions.
Individual members may, of course, continue to take additional precautions they deem necessary. Leadership are expected to respect and support their choices and model fraternal behavior.
As always:
The best protection against hospitalization and serious disease are COVID vaccination and the bivalent booster. Members are encouraged to speak to their medical care professionals and stay up-to-date with available COVID vaccination.
At home COVID rapid testing is strongly recommended for anyone traveling on Order business.
Members who test positive for COVID or have active symptoms associated with any COVID variant are expected to stay home. (If you are sick with any transmissible illness,COVID or no, you should always stay home.) It is every individual’s responsibility to guard the camp.
The U.S.G.L. Executive will continue to monitor the COVID situation in the United States and issue revised guidance and/or requirements based on applicable data and best practices. This may include additional precautions on the local or national level, including U.S.G.L. events such as A.I.T., Kaaba, and NOTOCON.
Love is the law, love under will.
U.S.G.L. COVID Response Team
GUIDELINES FOR MIXED STATUS EVENTS - CURRENTLY AVAILABLE:
Protocol documents available from the S.G.I.G. assigned to your local body:
Indoor Socials / Classes
Indoor Liber XV
Indoor Minerval
Indoor First Degree
Indoor Second Degree
Indoor Third Degree
Indoor IV through K.R.E. (distribution to S.G.I.G. and Chapter leaders only)
Outdoor Minerval
Outdoor Liber XV
Events for Fully Vaccinated Persons (FVPs)
Notice: Submission of falsified vaccination information may result in suspension or expulsion according to COLMH Section VIII.B.1.f.