COVID-19 Policies

The Barkley Forum for High Schools is required to follow the Emory University Visitor Policy, which can be found here.

As part of that policy, anyone under 18 years of age who participates in the Barkley Forum for High Schools is required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Those under age 18 with a vaccine exemption are required to receive a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours of accessing campus, and proof of negative test must be emailed to emorybfhs@gmail.com prior to coming to Emory’s campus.

The most powerful and effective mitigation action against COVID-19 is vaccination. Emory University requires all students, faculty, and staff to be fully vaccinated and boosted. While only minors coming to campus are required to have received a full primary series of the vaccine, we strongly recommend that all visitors on campus for the tournament are vaccinated and boosted. In addition, we strongly recommend that participants test for COVID-19 prior to coming to campus.

Masking is optional indoors on Emory’s campuses with select exceptions.

Q: Do students under age 18 need to submit their proof of vaccination?

A: No, parents/guardians just need to attest on the required form that their child has been vaccinated (or has an exemption and will test).

Q: What do I do if I have been exposed to someone who tests positive for COVID-19?

A: You may continue judging or competing at the tournament and are expected to abide by current CDC guidelines.

Q: Where can I find COVID-19 tests near Emory’s campus?
A: Emory University does not provide COVID-19 testing to visitors, but there are numerous pharmacies near campus where tests can be acquired. The CVS in Emory Village at 1554 North Decatur Road is walking distance from campus.

Q: What do I do if I test positive for COVID-19 after arriving on Emory’s campus?
A: Please let the tournament administrator know by emailing emorybfhs@gmail.com, and you will need to withdraw from the tournament and isolate. Coaches and chaperones are responsible for determining next steps in terms of isolation should a student test positive. The university will not be responsible for providing accommodations for isolation of any individuals testing positive for COVID-19.

Q: Will Emory contact me if I was in close contact with someone who later tests positive for COVID?
A: No. Emory will not be doing contact tracing.

Q: I am under 18 and have a COVID-19 religious or medical vaccine exemption. I understand I need to take a COVID-19 test within 48 hours of coming to campus. How do I submit results?
A: Proof of negative test must be emailed to emorybfhs@gmail.com by noon on 1/27. Failure to do so prior to the start of competition will result in the contestant forfeiting round 1 so they can be tested.