Re: OCT Retreat at Wilbur NEW COVID PROTOCOLS (fwd)

[robert <http://dummy.us.eu.org/robert>]

So, what do you think?  Should we go ahead with our plans to go there?

If so, where can we get a verifiable COVID test within 3 days of leaving?

 > From: Noelle <noelle>
 > Date: Mon, 9 Aug 2021 07:25:40 -0700 (PDT)
 >
 >  > From: SaranaYoga <http://www.saranayoga.com/~retreat>
 >  > Date: Sun, 8 Aug 2021 18:30:36 -0800
 >  > 
 >  >  IMPORTANT INFO PLEASE READ TO THE BOTTOM
 >  > 
 >  >  Dear Friends,
 >  > 
 >  >   
 >  > 
 >  >  Thank you everyone who replied to our survey. We learned that just about 
 >  >  everyone who replied is vaccinated; most of you are willing to test; not 
 >  >  many of you are crazy about wearing masks during yoga; and there is a range 
 >  >  of over-all concern about risks of COVID on retreat, but most of you are 
 >  >  lightly to moderately concerned.
 >  > 
 >  >   
 >  > 
 >  >  In addition to your feedback, we have consulted with MD friends, read 
 >  >  up-to-date articles and listened to podcasts covering the most recent 
 >  >  issues. (This NYT piece is worth reading) 
 >  >  ,https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/03/well/live/covid-delta-variant-vaccine-sy
 >  >  mptoms.html?referrer=masthead, And we have spoken with Wilbur management. 
 >  >  We are not experts, and no protocols are a guarantee against the spread of 
 >  >  COVID. But we have put a lot of thought and care into considering how to 
 >  >  run a retreat that can minimize risks for all participants and still offer 
 >  >  us a restorative and rejuvenating time together, which we are all yearning 
 >  >  for!
 >  > 
 >  >   
 >  > 
 >  >  So, here is what we have decided:
 >  > 
 >  >   
 >  > 
 >  >  -        We will require that all participants be BOTH vaccinated AND 
 >  >  obtain a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of arriving at Wilbur Hot 
 >  >  Springs. Participants will email us photographs as proof of vaccination and 
 >  >  negative test, so everyone feels secure.
 >  > 
 >  >   
 >  > 
 >  >  -        We will NOT mandate wearing masks during yoga practice, as 
 >  >  the yoga deck is outdoors. The side walls will remain OPEN AIR (no canvas 
 >  >  siding). We have reduced our numbers from 32 max on the yoga deck, down to 
 >  >  26, BUT we will NOT BE 6FT DISTANCE on the yoga deck during practice. Of 
 >  >  course, anyone will be supported if they wish to wear a mask during 
 >  >  practice.  
 >  > 
 >  >  -        Wilbur Hot Springs currently has a mandate WEARING MASKS IN 
 >  >  INDOORS in PUBLIC SPACES.
 >  > 
 >  >   
 >  > 
 >  >  -        Food will be served indoors, in the main hotel (mask mandate)
 >  >  , and people will be encouraged to EAT OUTDOORS.
 >  > 
 >  >   
 >  > 
 >  >  -        Wilbur Hot Springs does NOT have a vaccination mandate nor a 
 >  >  negative testing mandate. They will have other guests who will be 
 >  >  participating in the Guest Chef program and who will be on the grounds and 
 >  >  in the baths. We have no say over Wilbur’s policy. (For those who do not 
 >  >  know, as of April 2020, Sarana’s family no longer owns Wilbur Hot Springs)
 >  >  .
 >  > 
 >  >   
 >  > 
 >  >  We realize that there is no one-size-fits-all protocol, and that for some 
 >  >  of you, SaranaYoga protocols or Wilbur Hot Springs protocols will not be 
 >  >  acceptable. That’s okay. We will accept cancelations and offer full 
 >  >  refunds through 5PM Aug 27. So you have a few weeks to consider your 
 >  >  options.
 >  > 
 >  >   
 >  > 
 >  >  After Friday August 27 we will not be able to issue any refunds for 
 >  >  cancelation. If you become infected with COVID-19, or get a positive test 
 >  >  result as you prepare to come on retreat: stay home, take care of yourself, 
 >  >  and we will credit you for a future retreat. That’s not a problem!
 >  > 
 >  >   
 >  > 
 >  >  WHAT ABOUT AIR QUAILITY AT WILBUR? As if the pandemic isn’t enough…we 
 >  >  also have to monitor air quality. Wilbur has an AQUI monitor on site and 
 >  >  via their website, anyone can see a real-time air quality reading. If we 
 >  >  have to cancel the retreat because of air quality, we will offer credit for 
 >  >  a future retreat OR refund. Your choice. That issue will be a last-minute 
 >  >  call, and hopefully, one we will not have to make.
 >  > 
 >  >   
 >  > 
 >  >  Please know that we care about each and every one of you, first and 
 >  >  foremost. Our goal is to meet this moment of uncertainty with as much 
 >  >  intention, care and grace as we can. But we’re not perfect and for some 
 >  >  of you, it’s just not the right time to be coming on retreat. We 
 >  >  understand and we’ll look forward to a date in the future when it works 
 >  >  for you to join us.
 >  > 
 >  >   
 >  > 
 >  >  Based on the survey, for most of you these protocols look good. We feel 
 >  >  that we can be safe and healthy together and enjoy the benefits of being on 
 >  >  retreat at Wilbur Hot Springs, with Sarana guiding our yoga practice, 
 >  >  together, in community. We can’t wait, actually!
 >  > 
 >  >   
 >  > 
 >  >  Given how things are constantly evolving, we may need to change our policy 
 >  >  and adapt as necessary. We appreciate your understanding.
 >  > 
 >  >   
 >  > 
 >  >  After over a year of being together as an on-line community, creating 
 >  >  solidarity and support for so many, we’re looking forward to being 
 >  >  together in person.
 >  > 
 >  >   
 >  > 
 >  >  Namaste,
 >  > 
 >  >  Sarana & Aaron