Even an ongoing global health crisis in the middle of December cannot dampen thoughts of the upcoming holidays. But anyone who believes it feels more like Groundhog Day than Christmas, well, they're not alone.
In the 1993 film of the same name, TV weatherman Phil Connors (played by Bill Murray) is sent to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania to cover Groundhog Day (right), and relives the day repeatedly after becoming entangled in a time loop. After nearly two years of a seemingly endless pandemic, new virus variants, varying protocols, a virtual Golf Industry Show in 2021 and the news of vaccine cards and now a mandatory masking policy in California that could extend into the upcoming GCSAA Conference and Trade Show, it feels like 2020 is coming around again on New Year's Day.
With Covid outbreaks on the rise across the state and concerns surrounding the new Omicron variant, the California Department of Public Health announced a statewide indoor mask mandate that went into effect Dec. 15 and will run at least through Jan. 15. It could be discontinued at that time, or extended if cases continue to climb. Several counties across the state, such as Los Angeles and many in the San Francisco Bay area, already had mask mandates in place. San Diego did not.
Statewide protocols already require proof of vaccination for large indoor events of more than 1,000 people, or a negative Covid test and masking for the unvaccinated. That includes the upcoming GCSAA conference, set for Feb. 5-10 at the San Diego Convention Center. If the indoor mask mandate that went into effect Dec. 15 is continued beyond the January expiration date, conference attendees also will be required to wear masks at the conference, regardless of vaccination status.
In light of California's new protocols, the GCSAA's plans still include an in-person show, which already include proof of a vaccination or negative test, said GCSAA media relations manager Mike Strauss. It also will mean masks indoors if the latest order remains in place, according to convention center staff.
"On an ongoing basis, our San Diego Convention Center team monitors public health guidance, provides updates to meeting planners and communicates requirements via our website," said Maran Dougherty, executive director of marketing and communications for the San Diego Convention Center Corp. "Meeting planners then communicate applicable protocols to exhibitors, attendees and contractors for their licensed areas of the building. Our Convention Center team monitors compliance among our employees and business partners, and we work collaboratively with meeting planners to help identify ways of implementing protocols for their events."
The news brought mixed reviews from many superintendents.
Brian Boyer, superintendent at Cinnabar Hills Golf Club in San Jose, California, plans to attend, but is concerned about the recent spike in Covid cases in Southern California.
"I'm not opposed to wearing masks, it's a safety concern," Boyer said. "We're seeing an uptick, mostly in Southern California, so I'm a little nervous."
Fred Gehrisch, superintendent at Highland Falls Country Club in Highlands, North Carolina, checked off several reasons for electing to stay home rather than attend the 2022 show, including Covid concerns and a growing homeless situation across downtown San Diego.
With Covid outbreaks on the rise across the state, the California Department of Public Health announced a statewide indoor mask mandate that went into effect Dec. 15 and will run at least through Jan. 15. It could be discontinued at that time, or extended if cases continue to climb.
He noted the success of the recent Carolinas GCSA Conference and Trade Show in Myrtle Beach and how despite the overall absence of masks there appears to be no outbreaks linked to the event.
"The minute (HFCC assistant superintendent) Josh (Cantrell) told me I would be required to show vaccine cards everywhere I go is when I decided I wasn't going," Gehrisch said.
"I'm not anti-vax, and my decision has nothing to do with the GCSAA other than location. If it stays like this I might never go back (to San Diego). If the show was in Orlando? I'd be on my way."
Paul Hallock, superintendent at SaddleBrooke in Tucson, Arizona, plans to attend the conference in San Diego, but understands those who decide not to.
"I have not booked a hotel or flight, but I plan on going," Hallock said. "I don't see anything negative about being asked for a vaccination card or wearing a mask, but I get it that some people are against that."