Will I need to get tested if I am vaccinated against COVID-19 and a general THON spectator?

No, if you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (2 weeks from the final dose of the vaccine) and are participating as a spectator, you will not need to provide proof of a negative test. 

Will I need to get tested if I am vaccinated against COVID-19 and am a Dancer or Committee THON Volunteer?

Yes—you will need proof of a negative test from 2/16 or later.

Do I need a booster to be considered fully vaccinated?

No—you will need 2 weeks out from one dose of a one dose vaccine or two doses of a two-dose vaccine to be considered fully vaccinated, but a booster is strongly encouraged for those who are eligible to receive a booster dose.

Do children need to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test?

Yes—children aged 5 and up will be required to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. Children 2 and older will need proof of a negative test since they are not eligible to be vaccinated.

Will an at-home test be accepted?

No, valid test results must be from a medical provider or official testing center and must include patient name, patient date of birth, type of test performed, provider name, collection date, result date, and result.

Will a test from CVS, Walgreens, etc. be accepted?

Yes! A test from an official testing center, such as these, which include the required information will be accepted. 

What if I cannot find testing in my area?

If you are unable to find a test in your area, limited testing will be available at the Visitors Center (located at the corner of E. Park Avenue and Porter Road).

How do I enter the BJC?

If you have proof of vaccination:

• Proceed through normal BJC lines—your record will be checked in the will call area before the security checkpoint.
• If you are a special guest or Four Diamonds family entering through the Founders Entrance, your record will be checked at Founders Entrance. 
• If you are a performer or media guest entering through the Show and Media Entrance, your record will be checked at the Show and Media Entrance.
• If you are participating in Entrance Plan, your record will be checked at the beginning of the Entrance Plan queue. 

If you have proof of a negative test:

• Proceed to the Visitors’ Center (located at the corner of E. Park Avenue and Porter Road)—your test results will be verified there, and you will be given an entrance wristband. You will then only need to show your wristband at the BJC.

If you do not have proof of vaccination or a negative test:

• Proceed to the Visitors’ Center (located at the corner of E. Park Avenue and Porter Road).  Limited testing will be accommodated while supplies last.  Results will be verified, and you will then be given an entrance wristband if the result in negative. You will then only need to show your wristband to enter the BJC.

Will I need to show proof of vaccination or negative test every time I enter the BJC?

No! Upon first entrance, you will be given an entrance wristband. This wristband can be used for entrance and verification every time you return. In subsequent entries, you will only need to show your entrance wristband.

Will I need to keep my wristband on to re-enter the BJC?

Yes—do not remove your wristband if you intend to re-enter the BJC. If you remove your wristband, you will be required to complete the COVID-19 screening again.

Why do dancers and volunteers on the event level need to be vaccinated and provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test?

Dancers and volunteers spend the largest amount of time in the BJC and are closest to our Four Diamonds families. Out of the greatest abundance of caution, these individuals will be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test in addition to their COVID-19 vaccination. 

What if I test positive for COVID-19?

You will not be permitted to attend THON Weekend.

Will Four Diamonds families be required to provide proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test?

Yes, all individuals entering the building aged 2 and up will be required to provide proof of either vaccination or negative COVID-19 test.

Why do I need to be vaccinated to access the floor?

Those wishing to access the floor THON Weekend come into the closest proximity with our Four Diamonds families. In order to ensure the safety of our families, and out of an abundance of caution, we are requiring that all students and staff members wishing to access the floor be vaccinated.

Why do I have to wear a mask at THON Weekend?

Indoor masking is a Penn State University policy, which is consistent with CDC guidance for the county. As an event that takes place on Penn State’s campus, everyone attending THON Weekend will be required to be masked at all times. As an organization devoted to supporting children and families impacted by childhood cancer, it remains our top priority to keep them safe, along with all participants. Safety is our highest priority.

How is this event safe for Four Diamonds families who are off treatment?

Dr. Lisa McGregor, Chief of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, has advised that the event and safety protocols are safe for children who are off treatment, and also, for example, attend school. THON will continue to work with the Penn State Covid-19 Operations Control Center and professionals at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital to ensure THON Weekend is safe for all families and supporters. As always, we encourage anyone who wishes to attend the event to get vaccinated and comply with University masking guidelines.

Why are active treatment Four Diamonds families encouraged not to attend THON Weekend in person?

Children in active treatment may have weakened immune systems, and heightened vulnerability.  They are often restricted by their doctors during the course of treatment from many activities, including school, playground activities, and in-person events like THON Weekend. 

How will THON continue to support active treatment families if they are discouraged from attending THON Weekend?

THON Weekend 2022 will include a robust livestream component and extensive virtual programming. The Family Relations Committee will continue to engage virtually with families who are not able to attend the event due to any number of reasons.