DC Mayor Announces
New COVID Protocols
*UPDATED JAN 5th*

Dear Krewe Members—
 

We are delighted you'll be joining us January 26th-30th for Washington Mardi Gras (2022 WMG). In November, we released the 2022 WMG COVID protocols that were developed in partnership with Ochsner Health. At the time of the announcement, our initial protocols were compliant with the local District of Columbia's COVID protocols. 
 

Due to the more recent uptick in Omicron variant cases, we were forced to update WMG protocols to comply with the DC Mayor's Order issued last month, along with a new update she released just days ago. 

The Mayor's updated protocols require patrons to now show proof of at least one dose of COVID Vaccine, beginning January 15th, 2022. The revised protocols now include very narrow religious and medical exemptions combined with a negative PCR COVID test result. (More details below.)

Our common goal is to keep all 2022 WMG attendees as safe as possible, nothing more, nothing less.  
 

• To simplify this process and allow you to register ONE TIME for every function comprising 2022 WMG, we have developed "MARDI GRAS GO" with MyBindle. MyBindle is an app you can download easily to your smartphone.   

• After installing MyBindle on your phone, search EVENTS: "Washington Mardi Gras 2022", hit select, accept the terms.

• As you can see in this step-by-step document, you will be able to upload all of the necessary documents manually. Or, you have the option to import them from your existing LA Wallet or other electronic medical records. 

Over the next few days, please take a few minutes to download and update your MyBindle app. After completing this process, you are good to go for all your ticketed festivities at Washington Mardi Gras.
 

• Krewe Leadership will keep you up-to-date as new information emerges from the DC Mayor, the DC Health Director, and the Centers for Disease Control. Please know that we may be required to alter further, supplement or update our COVID protocols accordingly. 

• We also, as always, encourage you to visit both the CDC website and the DC Department of Health's website for the most up-to-date information. 

Here are a few reminders from previous communications we have sent, as well as some additional clarifying information regarding the recent update to the Mayor's Order:
 

• The Mayor's New Order (2021-148) requires proof of at least one vaccine dose as a condition to entry unless one of the narrow exceptions (described further below) can be utilized and effectively relied upon.

• The proof of single-shot vaccination requirement will not apply to any 2022 WMG attendee entitled by law to a reasonable accommodation due to a medical condition or a sincerely-held religious belief who properly follows the procedure outlined below.

PROCESS FOR MEDICAL CONDITION EXEMPTION
Any unvaccinated person claiming a medical condition exemption must:

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1) By no later than 5:00 pm CST on January 21st, notify the Krewe Office of such intention by sending an email to covidquestions2022@mkofl.com, AND provide the Krewe Office with a written doctor's note stating that such person cannot or should not be vaccinated for medical or health reasons. The email must also include the medical provider's name, title, address, contact information and medical provider/license or similar number or identifier; and

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2) The attendee will be required to provide a negative PCR test taken no earlier than 24 hours before your first ticketed 2022 WMG event.

PROCESS FOR RELIGIOUS EXEMPTION
Any unvaccinated person intending to attend 2022 WMG based on a sincerely-held religious belief must:
 

1) By no later than 5:00 pm central on January 21st notify the Krewe Office of such intention by sending an email to covidquestions2022@mkofl.com, which, at a minimum, provides a detailed description of the basis for the sought religious accommodation, and 

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2) The attendee will be required to provide a negative PCR test taken no earlier than 24 hours before your first ticketed 2022 WMG event.

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Attendees granted admittance due to one of these narrow accommodations and who fully comply with the previous requirements and procedures will be manually credentialed with the assistance of our Krewe help desk rather than through the MyBindle app. 

Any attendee seeking an accommodation who fails to comply with any of the preceding requirements and procedures will not be allowed to attend 2022 WMG.

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A few important notes regarding the COVID protocol process:

• Downloading and fully completing the MyBindle before you leave for DC will save you time once you arrive!

• No one in the Krewe, delegation, or otherwise will have access to any of the medical/vaccine data on the app. MyBindle manages the data on a secure platform and will destroy all data at the conclusion of the weekend.

• If you have any questions or issues with the MyBindle app, please send them to covidquestions2022@mkofl.com, and someone will be in touch with you. 
   

Also, there will be a special COVID Help Desk located at the entrance of the T-Street Lobby at the Washington Hilton. Here you will find updated information about the COVID policies in place, any changes that may occur during the weekend, as well as assistance with MyBindle, if anyone has technical difficulties. 
 

We are putting together the final preparations for what is sure to be a most exciting Mardi Gras celebration! We cannot wait to see you at the end of the month in Washington!
 

Laissez les bons temps rouler,

G. Wayne Smith
Senior Lieutenant
 

Mark A. Ackal
Senior Lieutenant

Tyron Picard
Senior Lieutenant

Scott Crawford
Senior Lieutenant

Ted W. Jones
Senior Lieutenant

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