KBCAN

Keeping Ballroom Community Alive Network

 Monkeypox (MPOX) Outbreak and  
COVID-19 Safety Guideline Recommendations
for the Ballroom Community

What is MonkeyPox Virus (MPOX)?
MPOX is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. MPOX is part of the same family of viruses as the variola viruses, the virus that causes smallpox. MPOX symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms but milder, and MPOX is rarely fatal. MPOX is not related to chickenpox.

Prevention Steps

  • Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like mpox.

    • Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with mpox.

    • Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone with mpox.

    • Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with mpox.

  • Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with mpox.

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

If you are sick with mpox:

  • Isolate at home

  • If you have an active rash or other symptoms, stay in a separate room or area away from people or pets you live with, when possible.

Vaccination

CDC recommends vaccination for people who have been exposed to mpox and people who are at higher risk of being exposed to mpox, including:

  • People who have been identified by public health officials as well as those who have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with mpox

  • People who may have been exposed to mpox, such as:

    • People who are aware that one of their sexual partners in the past 2 weeks has been diagnosed with mpox

    • People who had multiple sexual partners in the past 2 weeks in an area with known mpox

  • People whose jobs may expose them to orthopoxviruses, such as:

    • Laboratory workers who perform testing for orthopoxviruses

    • Laboratory workers who handle cultures or animals with orthopoxviruses

    • Some designated healthcare or public health workers

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COVID -19

1. Social Distancing 

  • All ball promoters, event staff, and attendees are encouraged to comply with social distancing guidelines set forth by local and state governments.

  • Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread COVID-19.

  • Stay at least 6 feet (about two arms' length) from other people.

  • Keeping distance from others is crucial, especially for people who are at higher risk of becoming ill.
     

2. Wearing Masks

  • The use of masks is recommended for all ball participants (walkers, judges, commentators, DJs, spectators, and staff). Ball promoters are encouraged to have masks present at the event for those who may not have one (for a free supply of masks, please reach out to KBCANETWORK@GMAIL.COM).

  • Consider a designated outdoor area for those who need to remove the mask (i.e. smoking, or drinking). Social distancing is highly enforced in these areas. 
     

3. Increase Security

  • Ball promoters are encouraged to hire additional security to monitor the bathroom flow. This practice will decrease crowd capacity in the restrooms.

  • Additional security can also help maintain and enforce social distancing throughout the event.
     

4. Adjusting Responsibilities 

  • Commentator(s) should reinforce recommended safety measures on the microphone consistently throughout the event.

  • Ball promoters are encouraged to provide access to masks and hand sanitizers.

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These recommendations have been developed by members of the ballroom community. In this process, we have given a lot of consideration to the nature of balls and their structure. Please accept these guidelines as an attempt to keep each other safe. Please keep in mind that the city and state have safety guidelines to adhere to that may be similar as well. More importantly, as a community, it becomes our responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of the members of our community. Remember, it's not the virus that causes the spread; it's people's behavior.

For more information about these guidelines please email us at kbcanetwork@gmail.com. Additionally, check out these online resources:

Mpox:

World Health Organization (WHO): https://bit.ly/3QWCvc8

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/mpox/index.html

COVID-19:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://bit.ly/3YSLMEc

To find COVID-19 vaccine locations near you: Search vaccines.gov, text your ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233.

NYC vaccine finder (NYC residents only): https://vaccinefinder.nyc.gov/