Penn State Thon announces new COVID protocols ‘to ensure the safety’ of attendees at in-person event
With COVID cases remaining high throughout the commonwealth, Penn State Thon still plans to hold its 46-hour dance marathon in-person with spectators later this month — but new protocols involving negative tests and proof of vaccination were announced Friday “to ensure the safety of all families, dancers, spectators and volunteers.”
Thon, formally known as the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, will now require spectators (ages 2 and older) at the Feb. 18-20 event to either provide proof of vaccination or proof of a negative COVID test performed on or after Feb. 16. Dancers and Thon committee volunteers, who were already required to be vaccinated, will now also have to provide proof of a negative COVID test.
As previously announced, Penn State students and employees hoping to access the floor and mezzanine levels of the Bryce Jordan Center, where families impacted by pediatric cancer can be found, are required to be fully vaccinated. And, regardless of vaccination status, all must remain masked.
When Thon officials initially announced the return of the in-person event, back in October, the vaccine was optional for spectators in the stands — and no negative COVID tests were required. Friday’s announcement made clear further efforts to mitigate the coronavirus.
“These additional requirements are increasingly important for THON Weekend given the sustained nature of the event and the desire to ensure that our Four Diamonds families, as well as our spectators, dancers and volunteers are able to participate in a safe experience,” read a news release from Thon officials.
Thon, the largest student-run philanthropy in the world, held its 2021 dance marathon virtually in response to fears over COVID-19. But it still managed to raise more than $10 million last February to fight pediatric cancer, donating the funds to Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital. Since Thon’s start in 1973, more than $190 million has so far been raised.
“We understand and appreciate that not all individuals will feel comfortable attending THON Weekend in person,” the news release read. “Anyone who does not feel comfortable attending in person is welcome and encouraged to join us virtually at THON.org/livestream for an engaging and interactive livestream experience.”
Here’s a closer look at what will and will not accepted during Thon Weekend:
Spectators who are fully vaccinated: Proof of COVID-19 vaccination must be shown before gaining entry to the BJC. (A booster dose is not required, but is recommended.) Acceptable forms or proof include the physical vaccination card or a picture of the vaccination card — in addition to photo ID to match the name on the vaccination card. A picture of a photo ID will not be accepted.
Spectators (non-PSU students and employees) who are not fully vaccinated: Must first report to the Visitors’ Center at the corner of East Park Avenue and Porter Road to have their negative COVID-19 test results verified; the results can either be printed out or in the form of an email on your mobile device. (Tests must be performed Feb. 16 or later.) Valid tests must be from a medical provider or official testing provider and must include patient name, birth date, type of test performed, collection date, result date and result. (Self-administered, at-home rapid tests will not be accepted.) A wristband will then be offered for entrance into the BJC. Limited testing will be available at the Visitors’ Center, primarily for Four Diamonds Families.
Spectators (PSU students and employees) who are not fully vaccinated: Can either report to the White Building for testing — general student and employee spectators are asked to test between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. Feb. 18 “to maintain normal operations” — or, if negative results are from a different official testing provider or medical provider, can follow the directions for non-PSU student and employee spectators. Those who are unvaccinated and who still submit to weekly tests are encouraged to receive their weekly test on Feb. 16 or later, and all students who test through the White Building will have to wait to receive their results so they can also receive the appropriate wristband for entry into the BJC.
The Visitors’ Center is open 2-8 p.m. Feb. 18; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 19; and 8 a.m. to noon Feb. 20. The White Building testing center is open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. from Feb. 16-18 and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Feb. 19.
To develop the new plan, Thon officials collaborated with University Student Affairs, Division of Development and Alumni Relations and the Covid Operations Control Center.
“We believe that with these protocols we can hold the safest possible THON Weekend 2022,” the news release read. “We are thrilled to be joining together in person in the fight against childhood cancer once again. However, we must all do our part to create a safe environment for all. We thank you in advance for your cooperation as we work to return safely to an in-person event.”
