Out of an abundance of caution due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, there were numerous safety requirements in place, including the wearing of face masks regardless of vaccination status and sanitizing stations. All attendees were required to sign a COVID-19 waiver and self-declaration form upon entering the OCCC. Spectator seating was extremely limited.
Yes, spectators are allowed, but spectator seating will be extremely limited. Spectators must follow all of the AKC National Championship safety protocols, including wearing face masks regardless of vaccination status. AKC will require face masks that cover the nose and mouth to be worn indoors at all times, regardless of vaccination status, except when actively eating or drinking. You must be stationary when eating or drinking.
If you will be at the Orange County Convention Center for any AKC events or activities during AKC’s event week (December 12-20, 2021), you agree to comply with all of AKC’s COVID-19 Safety Protocols. A waiver & COVID-19 self-declaration form will be required to be completed and turned in the first time you enter the facility. You may find those forms here:
AKC may require additional health safety protocols at the time of the event week. All information is subject to change at the discretion of the American Kennel Club. AKC will follow the COVID-19 guidance of the CDC.
At the events being held at the Orange County Convention center during AKC National Championship Week, the following safety precautions will be in place:
You may read our complete face mask policy for attendees below:
Face masks protect yourself and others from the spread of infectious diseases including the Covid-19 virus, according to government sources.
All attendees (ages 2 and up) are required to wear a face mask while on the event grounds. The face mask must be worn so that it that covers your mouth and nose. Please bring your own face masks and wear them at all times.
The use of a face mask is not a substitute for physical distancing. You may remove the face mask while actively eating or drinking, but you must be stationary and maintain appropriate physical distancing. No eating or drinking will be permitted ringside.
All face masks (whether disposable or reusable) must:
The following are not permitted:
To get the most benefits from a face mask:
As important as they are, face masks are only one source of prevention, all attendees will be required to comply with all AKC COVID-19 Safety Protocols. The AKC COVID-19 Safety Protocols and this Face Mask Policy are subject to change without notice.
Failure to comply with this policy may result in you being asked to leave the event grounds and/or may result in an AKC Event Committee hearing and disciplinary action.
As always, the AKC National Championship Groups and Best in Show, Best Bred-by Exhibitor and BBE Groups, NOHS Groups and Finals, Puppy & Junior Stakes Groups and Best in Stakes, Junior Showmanship Finals, Agility, Obedience, and Rally will continue to be live streamed for free on AKC.tv and will remain available on demand. Download the AKC.tv mobile app to watch on your phone, stream AKC.tv on your favorite OTT device, or watch on the http://www.AKC.tv website. Find all the available platforms and links to download here.
Stay tuned for the national television broadcast premiere of the AKC National Championship in January on ABC!
The premium list and other information specifically for exhibitors are available here.
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