COVID PROTOCOL

Meeting the moment

When the world turned upside down back in early March 2020, we at the School of Lost Borders (SOLB) - like so many organizations - found ourselves staring at a wave of questions and considerations that were well outside of anything we'd faced before. In response, SOLB created the Coronavirus Response Council ("the CRC") to attempt some sense-making out of the rapidly changing information.

Covid Protocol Evolution

The CRC developed the first version of our Covid Backcountry Protocol in the summer of 2020. Since then, it has been through several updates and we anticipate it will continue to evolve as we lean into the changing landscape of living with Covid-19. It is worth noting that each program may have it's own protocol as guides set containers according to their own health needs and preference.s

A Word of Gratitude

In spite of all the challenges, we are immensely grateful to be able to once again offer many of our programs and it is validating to see that the protocols put in place only seem to have strengthened a container of care amongst participants. It is also reassuring, that the ceremony and the land seem undaunted by the changes…perhaps expanding to hold us closer… even as we have to sometimes physically move further away from one another.

June 2022 Update

In most of our groups, we find that over half of the participants are fully vaccinated, sometimes more. At the same time, Covid variants with greater transmission rates have been on the rise, and various countries and regions have seen increases in cases. The school continues to follow federal, state, and county regulations closely as well as CDC requirements and recommendations.

Our protocol intends to serve participants who are fully vaccinated as well as those who are not vaccinated, for medical, ethical or any other reason. Following are the most recent highlights of the School's policy on distancing requirements and quarantines after air travel, as CDC guidelines and USA entry requirements for International travellers continue to evolve. 

Follow this link to view the full, updated Covid Backcountry Protocol.

Highlights from the Protocol

Expectations upon arrival in the wilderness

Upon arrival, you will be asked to share with the group your personal space needs and distancing preferences. Many Guides have their own protocols and practices while in camp and will communicate those, plus the following school protocol distancing requirements:

Distancing: 

Non-vaccinated:  To keep with CDC recommendations, and minimize any risk of infections in the backcountry, the School requires a minimum of 6 feet distance between unvaccinated participants, and requires mask use for occasions in the first 5 days or a program where distance is less than 6 feet.

Vaccinated: Vaccinated group members are not required to distance but expected to respect other group members space needs  and distancing preferences.

We are fortunate to work primarily outdoors, and are grateful for the respect and care we are seeing among group members.  In our experience with groups over the last few months, supporting one another’s individual needs has only strengthened the natural sense of community that comes from being in ceremony together.

Once personal and group safety boundaries are created we are able to sink into ceremonial space together and focus on the program.

Domestic Travel within the US:

Vaccinated: No quarantine or Covid testing is required for vaccinated people after domestic travel within the US. We ask however that you stay vigilant and talk to your guides if you experience any unwellness post flight.

Non vaccinated: 

• A viral test during days 2 -5 after travel that turns out negative.

International travel:

Before you travel:

As of 13th June 2022 the USA no longer requires a negative test in order to board a flight to the US. Current Homeland Security requirements still say that unvaccinated non-US-resident travellers may not enter the USA.  Make sure you understand and follow all airline and destination requirements related to travel, testing, or quarantine, which may differ from U.S. requirements. If you do not follow your destination’s requirements, you may be denied entry and required to return to the United States.

After you arrive (vaccinated):

• Get tested with a viral test before you arrive at the program.
• Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms; isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms.
• If your test is positive, isolate yourself to protect others from getting infected.

Extra Precautions for Non-Vaccinated Participants

• Please lower your exposure level starting 10 days prior to the program.
• We encourage you to travel alone by car, if possible. If you rely on the option to carpool, please contact your guide for more information.
• Due to sensitive communities in many of our program locations, we encourage you to come prepared and avoid local business to minimize potential local spread.

We will continue to keep an eye on state and federal policy changes, rapid testing and vaccination considerations as well as ongoing safety including staying abreast of local emergency resources where programs are offered.

Feel free to reach out with any questions and please stay tuned to our website for the latest information about programs to come!