Miss Rodeo USA Pageant COVID Policy rev. January 11, 2021

The MRUSA Association is committed to providing a safe environment for the MRUSA contestants during the COVID 19 pandemic.  During these unprecedented times, we have established guidelines and requirements for our contestants to protect contestants, as well as those who may come in contact with contestants, during the pageant. 

1. Contestants are encouraged to self-quarantine for 10 days prior to the onset of the pageant (orientation day)
2. Contestants will be required to have a rapid COVID test within 24 hours prior to check in for the pageant.  A list of health care facilities offering rapid COVID testing in the Edmond area will be provided to you.  The test must be done no earlier than January 11, 2020.
3. The cost of the test is the responsibility of the contestant.  You must present proof of a negative test at orientation.
4. Chaperones and judges will also receive COVID testing.  
5. Throughout the pageant, social distancing will be required (from anyone other than chaperones, judges, and other contestants).  When social distancing cannot be observed, masks will be worn.  Masks will be provided by the MRUSA association.
6. This year, contact with families throughout the pageant will require the use of masks and social distancing.  We will limit contact with families more than in the past years due to the risk of exposure. 
7. As we are requesting voluntary self-quarantine, anyone testing positive at the start of pageant will not be eligible for a refund of money.
8. If a contestant has contracted COVID 19 previously, we will be following CDC guidance for healthcare workers who have tested positive:  (guidance and explanation below) 
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The CDC currently recognizes two methods for healthcare workers to determine if they can return to work after a positive test. (we will be using this guidance as to whether or not you may participate in the pageant if you have tested positive recently)

• The first method is the symptom-based method:
  • Anyone who has tested positive must be at least 10 days out from onset of symptoms or date of the test (if person is asymptomatic) and 24 hours fever free and symptoms greatly improved (we normally would like for symptoms to be near or fully resolved) without the use of medications.
• The second method is the testing method:
  • Anyone who has tested positive must be fever free without the use of medications, must show an improvement of symptoms and have negative results from 2 tests that are taken greater than 24 hours apart.
    • This method is becoming less popular due to the fact that some people are testing positive long after their symptoms are resolved. 
    • This method is also less popular due to the increasingly limited number of tests as the pandemic has grown
      
      

To simplify, if you have contracted COVID, at least 10 days must have passed from the onset of symptoms (prior to check in date) if you were asymptomatic and 24 hours fever free (without the use of medications such as Tylenol) with symptoms fully or near fully resolved.
If you have tested positive, we will require proof of positive test with date, and you will sign an attestation statement declaring that you meet the above criteria.  In this scenario, the testing day of orientation will be waived as many people continue to test positive long after the resolution of symptoms, but are not considered contagious per CDC guidelines. 

1.  The MRUSA Board is fully invested in providing the safest possible environment during the pageant for our contestants. 
2.   If you have had the vaccine, written confirmation from your doctor is required, and testing will be waived.
3.  It is recommended that friends/family attending events wear masks.  Masks may be mandated at certain venues. 
4. All contestants will be required to wear masks during move-in and during check in until all are verified as COVID negative.  Any individual assisting with move-in will be required to wear a mask as well. 
5. We will be handling symptoms/issues as they come.
6. If we feel a contestant exhibits symptoms that are indicative of COVID, they will be isolated and masks will be required.  We will take contestant for testing if we feel it is warranted.
7. The MRUSA Association is committed to do everything within our power to keep contestants healthy and able to compete.
8.  Please reach out with questions. ​
   
   

Reminders of ways to stay healthy prior to pageant time:
Be responsible in situations where exposure may occur – like grocery stores, sporting events, religious services, or any other large gatherings.  observe the below everyday safety and common sense practices:

• Wearing masks covering both nose and mouth when in public
• Maintaining social distancing best practices  in public; maintaining six or more feet of distance
• The use of masks covering both nose and mouth in environments when unable to maintain six or more feet of distance
• Frequent hand washing
• Avoiding touching your face
• Staying home if you’re sick or not feeling well

If you have questions or concerns regarding the Miss Rodeo USA Pageant COVID policy, please contact [email protected].