The Beast in the East is taking the following steps in order to have a safe return to live events. With the ever changing environment of the pandemic, these policies can continue to change and update based on our current situation. The page will have a last updated notice to help keep track of any policy changes. Every attendee, exhibitor, artist, staff, or anyone within the venue spaces are expected to comply with our health and safety requirements listed below. Anyone unable to meet these requirements will be denied entry to or removed from the venue.

We will be requiring everyone in attendance of The Beast in the East 5 to provide proof of full vaccination to enter the event. Please bring your vaccine card, digital COVID-19 QR code, or legible photo of your vaccine card (front and back) showing that you have received all doses of an FDA or WHO authorized COVID-19 vaccine and applicable boosters. Your vaccination documentation must match a valid, government issued photo ID.

Children unable to be vaccinated may attend with vaccinated guardians but are encouraged to stay home this year.

For those who live in the United States, to find a COVID-19 vaccination site near you, please visit https://www.vaccines.gov/, text your zip code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233.

In addition to proof of full vaccination status, we will be requiring proof of a negative covid test taken within 48 hours of picking up your badge. We recommend scheduling your testing as soon as possible to ensure that you are able to get a slot in the appropriate time. We also will be accepting proof of negative at home testing with proper proof of testing within the 48 hour window. The Beast in the East will have a limited supply of rapid tests available for free at the event.

Everyone at The Beast in the East 5 is required to wear a face covering while attending the event and throughout event spaces. Face coverings must fit properly and closely on the face without gaps along the edges or around the nose. Face coverings must cover your nose and mouth fully. Neck gaiters, mesh masks, covering with exhalation valves or open holes, costume masks, single layer fabric masks, or any face covering that is unable to secure beneath your chin (such as a bandana) will not qualify as an acceptable face covering.

The Beast in the East will have masks available on site as supplies permit.

Sanitizing Stations will be supplied throughout the venue. Please wash your hands regularly and thoroughly to help reduce transmission risks. When playing on arcade hardware please wipe down the surface of the cabinet and the controls with provided sanitation wipes when you’re finished.

The Beast in the East will have a strict attendance cap of 2,500 attendees, well below the capacity of venue space provided by the Hampton Roads Convention Center. We encourage attendees to socially distance as best possible and respect the personal space of all other attendees.

The Beast in the East asks that anyone experiencing Symptoms of COVID-19 or anyone who has been alerted to potential exposure of a confirmed case of COVID-19 within 10 days of the event stays home. Please follow CDC guidelines for self quarantining and isolation. If you test positive in the 10 days before the event please stay home.

To ensure a safe environment for all attendees please listen to The Beast in the East staff, venue staff, hotel staff, event security, and local law enforcement personnel. Attendees unable to comply with directions from the above may be ejected from the event without refund and barred from attending future The Beast in the East events.

Being fully vaccinated means by August 26, 2022 you are:

At least 14 days after your single dose of a FDA or WHO approved single dose COVID-19 vaccine

Any COVID-19 vaccine authorized for emergency use or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA):

Pfizer/BioNTech

Johnson & Johnson/Jansen

Any COVID-19 vaccine authorized for emergency use by the World Health Organization (WHO)

Face coverings are required to be worn by all attendees. To request a potential special accommodation please contact us.

All attendees are expected to comply with health and safety guidelines. All attendees acknowledge and agree to comply with the guidelines in entering the event. The Beast in the East will have designated security ensuring guidelines are being followed.

Please be advised that a risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any event or public space, including the event. Prior to registering for and attending the event, please ensure you have read the latest CDC Guidelines for Prevention. By attending the event, you acknowledge this inherent risk on behalf of yourself and/or any Minor attending the event for which you serve as Guardian (collectively, “You”) and, as a condition of entering the event, You acknowledge, understand and confirm each of the following in accordance with applicable health guidelines:

That You will abide by all terms of admission and participation (as may be updated from time to time) and event health-and-safety requirements, including wearing an approved face covering at all times;

That You are not currently experiencing any of the following symptoms of COVID-19, as identified at CDC.gov, including, but not limited to:

- Fever or chills

- Cough

- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

- Fatigue

- Muscle or body aches

- Headache

- New loss of taste or smell

- Sore throat

- Congestion or runny nose

- Nausea or vomiting

- Diarrhea

That prior to attending the event You have not been in contact with someone with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 symptoms without completing a CDC-recommended quarantine;

That you are not under any self-quarantine or isolation orders or subject to any CDC self-quarantine or isolation protocol; and

That The Beast in the East requires proof of full vaccination as a condition of entry and, You are fully vaccinated, meaning at the time You are attending the Event it has been at least fourteen (14) days since:

Your second dose in a 2-dose COVID-19 vaccine series approved or authorized by the FDA or by the WHO, or

Your single dose of a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine authorized by the FDA or by the WHO.

All participants MUST present proof of vaccination directly from the healthcare provider that performed the vaccination (whether a physical copy or on a smartphone) OR through the use of an approved mobile app to enter the event.

For purposes of this acknowledgement, a “Minor” means any individual who under eighteen (18) years of age or has not reached the age of majority as defined by such individual’s jurisdiction of residence, and a “Guardian” means such Minor’s parent or legal guardian or other individual attending the Event who is over the age of eighteen (18) and acting in loco parentis for such Minor. Please see the event’s terms of participation to confirm the age requirements for entry.

Please do not enter the event or the event venue if You cannot confirm all of the above criteria. If at any point during Your time at the event You do not meet all of the above criteria, You will be required to isolate and may be relocated or asked to leave the venue at the sole discretion of event management.

Concerning the above, you acknowledge that there is an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and even death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, senior citizens and guests with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable.

Please note: The guidelines above are based on information currently available regarding the behavior and characteristics of the COVID-19 virus, public health information and local or state guidelines with respect to large gatherings. As more clarity with respect to these variables emerges, it is expected that these guidelines may need to be adjusted accordingly.