HDA ( Hackers With Disabilities ) for DEFCON 30

[teor]

GREETINGS!
If you are disabled and have questions about ANYTHING related to DEFCON
If you are traveling with, assisting a person with ADA needs and have questions about DEFCON

I've been trying to find information about COVID safety at DEFCON.

Is there a consistent safety policy that people will stick to?
Or does it vary a lot between different villages and venues?

Are there any events outside, or with very good ventilation?

[number6]

The last discussion on this topic took place here:
https://forum.defcon.org/node/239769
I have no newer information on COVID Safety at DEF CON 30.

At some point, a map will be produced to show where content will be created and presented. I do not think any such map has been made public, as some things are still be decided.

I do not have information on hotel/casino air flow and re-circulation or filtering.

[teor]

Thanks!

I have a higher risk of death or disability from COVID, so I'd like to know what infection precautions almost everyone will be taking.

(Infection rates are based on what people will actually do, not what the rules are in theory. Specifically, airborne COVID infections are controlled by good ventilation, masks, vaccinations, testing, and isolation of sick people.)

[Delchi]

I've been trying to find information about COVID safety at DEFCON.

Is there a consistent safety policy that people will stick to?
Or does it vary a lot between different villages and venues?

Are there any events outside, or with very good ventilation?

Greetings!

The rules and requirements are changing on a regular basis, so the best thing you can do for right now is monitor the main page for any announcements. For example last week the mask mandate for air and public transport was lifted, this week it's being challenged again. I am making the rounds of the hotels to get the current state but at the moment they are mask optional. There has been no formal decision as yet as to what DEF CON will be doing as it's a bit early yet. I will definitely keep an eye on this and make announcements here.

Last year there was a mask mandate that applied to the entire venue, including villages and venues, as well as a vax check when you checked in. While there were some objections and special cases ( some that HDA helped with ) for the most part people did comply and sick to the rules.

This year there will be an outdoor area as part of the new Caesars Forum where people will be gathering. Events, gatherings and parties are still being planned so there is no hard word on what will be happening where at this time.

Thanks for a great question, and I will keep everyone updated here.

- D

[Delchi]

Thanks!

I have a higher risk of death or disability from COVID, so I'd like to know what infection precautions almost everyone will be taking.

(Infection rates are based on what people will actually do, not what the rules are in theory. Specifically, airborne COVID infections are controlled by good ventilation, masks, vaccinations, testing, and isolation of sick people.)

Las Vegas in general is a place where people from all over the world come together and do their thing. Because of that you will find a mix of people who wear masks, don't wear masks, or use hand sanitizer like they use Axe body spray in New Jersey. Hotels each have their own policy , and pretty good ventilation. There is no word yet as to if DEF CON will have a vax check or mandatory masking this year. I have inquired and will update here. As always please do what you feel is best for you , and should you encounter any issues please let a DEF CON Goon know or contact hotel staff for assistance.

Currently it's a mixed bag of mask use as the mandates have been lifted, but there are some people who still use them. I still use mine as I don't feel like taking the risk in public and to be honest it helps with pollen and allergies when the season is upon us. Hand sanitizer is contently present at bars, casinos, and in some eateries. Testing is still going on in Vegas but more n a voluntary basis rather than before where it was mandated. Some companies are still mandating testing for employees, or employees in public contact.

It's hard to predict what people will or will not do, but we had good response from DEF CON attendees last year, and the mood in general in Vegas is one that supports people who choose to mask.

I will update this soon!

Thanks for the excellent question!

- D

[Delchi]

Thanks!

I have a higher risk of death or disability from COVID, so I'd like to know what infection precautions almost everyone will be taking.

(Infection rates are based on what people will actually do, not what the rules are in theory. Specifically, airborne COVID infections are controlled by good ventilation, masks, vaccinations, testing, and isolation of sick people.)

As an update, the word I got back today is that there is no official statement as yet , but it is being looked into.

[Delchi]

HDA is now part of DEF CON Policies!

https://defcon.org/html/links/dc-hda.html

[qumqats]

HDA is now part of DEF CON Policies!

https://defcon.org/html/links/dc-hda.html

Yea for that!

*** BTW - The Forum link on that web page is bad, it has a space between DEF and CON. ***

[Delchi]

Thanks! I believe it's fixed !

[admford]

Prepare for trouble!
make it double!

see ya there Delchi

[Delchi]

MASKS AND DEF CON 30 .....

At this time it looks like we are going to have a mask requirement for this year. One of the biggest problems with this is finding the right mask for yourself, that is both functional and fashionable.

To help with this, check out the Project N95 : https://www.projectn95.org/

A comprehensive list of masks, places to buy them and good advice on not getting ripped off.

[Delchi]

ALSO : Do you know the difference between a N95 and a KN95 mask? The prices are different, but so are the standards!
https://smartairfilters.com/en/blog/...95-kn95-masks/

[Delchi]

Hey all , please take a look at the BETA version of the HDA Datapack for DC 30! It's not DONE yet, but I need your input. It's a PDF designed to be read on a tablet or phone while you are here. Please report any problems, errors, or issues with your device and I will get on it ASAP.

Thanks!

[bluknight]

Hey Delchi, wanted to poke a heads up to you to run up with your people. The Linq/Harrahs people (especially Linq) will want to check their signage to make certain it's accurate and routes people appropriately. Case in point -- going from the Linq casino floor towards the Forum, you hit an elevator bank that has no good signage on what floor to exit on. (You start on the L level, and end on 2, btw). Those that are mobility impaired may get confused.

[bluknight]

Oh yes, also - getting mobility access to the spaces in the Linq will be interesting -- a couple very small elevators, out of the way. I should have scouted those more and grabbed pictures -- I just realized that. Let me see what I can dig out of my brain on that, but that's probably something that you (we?) will want to highlight, because I think it's going to be confusing for people. And while there's multiple elevator sets to the 3rd floor (next to Mat Franco), there's only one elevator set to the fifth floor, where Skytalks is -- and I want to make certain people know how to access us. Worst case I may make a trip out around 22JUL and will try and grab some example photos.

[Delchi]

Oh yes, also - getting mobility access to the spaces in the Linq will be interesting -- a couple very small elevators, out of the way. I should have scouted those more and grabbed pictures -- I just realized that. Let me see what I can dig out of my brain on that, but that's probably something that you (we?) will want to highlight, because I think it's going to be confusing for people. And while there's multiple elevator sets to the 3rd floor (next to Mat Franco), there's only one elevator set to the fifth floor, where Skytalks is -- and I want to make certain people know how to access us. Worst case I may make a trip out around 22JUL and will try and grab some example photos.

THanks! We have a scouting trip planned in the near future and the general coordinator for the hotels is cooperating and helping all along the way.

[bluknight]

Awesome -- glad to hear it. If you want to pick my brain for other observations. We had some good discussion in the Skytalks backline re: accessibility and directing people to these, but didn't have good solutions other than posting peiople on the casino floor to help direct people.