PyOhio 2026

Health and Safety Guidelines

These guidelines apply to all PyOhio attendees, within the PyOhio event space. PyOhio is being held on the third floor of the Cleveland State University Student Center. Everything outlined here should be followed when in any indoor space on the third floor. This includes attending talks and Open Spaces, and any time spent in the hallways. Please ensure you act in accordance with these guidelines at all times while attending PyOhio.

Masks are highly encouraged for all attendees

We encourage attendees to wear facial coverings recommended by the United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in indoor spaces, any spaces where physical distancing cannot be maintained, and any other spaces designated by the conference organizers.

We encourage the use of masks with an N95 or similar rating, which are particularly effective at reducing exposure to viruses.

We encourage you to bring your own mask that you find comfortable, however, we will have free masks available for attendees during each day of PyOhio, as supplies permit.

The decision to shift from a mask requirement was made based on CO2 data from the venue during PyOhio 2025. The venue has high ceilings, is attached to an open three-story atrium, and has multiple exits to outdoor balconies. We still encourage wearing a mask, however, we have made the decision to not require them based on our previous experience with the same venue.

Harassment of others for their choice regarding masks is entirely unacceptable, and, as a Code of Conduct violation, will result in being asked to leave the conference.

Vaccinations are encouraged

We encourage PyOhio attendees to stay up to date with the vaccinations that are available to them where they live. Vaccines are not required to attend PyOhio. We will not be verifying vaccination status.

Rapid COVID-19 tests are encouraged

PyOhio attendees are expected to use at-home/antigen/rapid tests before they arrive at PyOhio. Use of tests during the conference is encouraged, however, if you wish to use tests while attending PyOhio, you will need to provide your own.

We will not verify negative test results.

If you feel unwell

We expect people to remain at home if they may be contagious. If you are feeling sick, experiencing known COVID-19 or flu-like symptoms in ways that are unusual to you, or test positive for COVID-19 prior to the start of the conference without subsequently testing negative (e.g. by two negative rapid tests taken 48 hours apart, or a negative PCR test), you should not attend PyOhio.

If you test positive for COVID-19

If you test positive for COVID-19 or exhibit any related symptoms during your attendance of PyOhio, you are required to immediately withdraw yourself from the conference.

We ask that you notify PyOhio organisers. Your privacy will be respected and maintained. This information will be used to notify attendees, so they may take appropriate precautions or get tested.

Future updates to these guidelines

We promise not to downgrade our Health and Safety policy between now and the event to allow community members to make decisions about attending with confidence that his policy won't be weakened between when they book travel or submit a talk, and when the conference takes place. If there is a development that recommends additional precaution, then we may add it. As we get closer to PyOhio, we may add additional information here as well. We will not, however, be subtracting anything or softening the mask policy.