RMERC 2023 Covid Policies
January 5, 2022
The RMERC covid policy reflects our desire to create a retreat environment in which participants feel safe, relaxed, and at ease. Details of our testing and vaccination policies are below. At this time, RMERC does not require vaccination, but we do require testing. PLEASE NOTE: Individual retreats may implement policies that are more stringent than the RMERC requirements. Please see the descriptions of individual retreats or check with the retreat leader.
Testing: RMERC requires that everyone arriving at the retreat center provide a negative covid test result, preferably from a PCR test, taken less than 96 hours before the retreat, or if PCR is not accessible, two rapid home tests, the first taken the day before the retreat, and the second taken the day of the retreat, with 24-36 hours between the two tests. Those using home tests should take time-stamped photos of both test results. This proof of negative test results must be presented before entering the lodge for your retreat.
Vaccinations: RMERC does not require Covid vaccinations at this time. We are aware that vaccinations can reduce viral load, and can therefore reduce how sick people become if transmission occurs, but it appears that vaccinations no longer reduce the overall risk of infection. Many Buddhist retreat centers in the US still require Covid vaccinations, and we reserve the right to reinstate vaccine requirements in light of the evolving state of the pandemic .
Individual Retreat Requirements: Leaders of individual retreats may require additional Covid precautions if they wish; examples might include proof of vaccination, indoor mask use, or covid testing during the retreat. Please check the descriptions of individual retreats or with the retreat leader for information on Covid requirements specific to that retreat. Everyone is welcome to wear a mask at RMERC at any time.
Pre-Retreat: To ensure everyone’s safety, we ask that you wear an N95 mask during travel, especially while in planes and other public spaces, regardless of federal rules, and that you are really careful for 10 days before your retreat. If you have any COVID symptoms please do not come to RMERC until you are well.
Retreat: We require anyone who develops any COVID like symptoms or becomes sick at the retreat to leave RMERC and return home immediately, to protect the health of the other yogis and teachers. If someone gets sick or needs to be quarantined we are not able to do that at RMERC, especially as our altitude is not conducive for healing respiratory illness.
All Covid policies are subject to change at any time.
RMERC Hiking Policy (Applies during Hiking Season)
Day hikers at RMERC are not required to wear masks, nor are they required to have a covid test or covid vaccination.