In-person events:
Covid-19 Policy and Practices
last update: September 5th 2021
“Looking after yourself, you look after others; and looking after others, you look after yourself.”
Our policy reflects our understanding of interdependance, our commitment to the Buddhist ethics of non-harm (ahimsa) and our care for the health and safety everyone in our sangha and for all those we come into contact in larger society, especially those among us who are most vulnerable. It also reflects the latest guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization, as well as local state guidelines.
Although removing risks entirely is likely impossible, simple measures allow us to very significantly minimize risks when gathering in person. We ask all our participants to comply with these policies and practices, for the well-being of all. If this is not possible, we ask that you engage instead with our on-line events, of which there are many.
VACCINATION REQUIREMENT
For any in-person Triratna NY/NJ/PA events held indoors, full vaccination with an FDA-approved vaccine for COVID-19 is required. This means that in the case of vaccinations involving two shots, both have to have been administered and taken effect. Attendees must be able to provide proof of vaccination prior to and during the event. This applies to all Triratna NY/NJ/PA gatherings in both public and private spaces (eg. practice events in people’s homes, as we do not have our own centers).
Triratna NY/NJ/PA cannot be held responsible for private social events that may involve its members. We encourage everyone to practice rigorous safety precautions in their personal lives, based on CDC guidelines.
SOCIAL DISTANCING
As much as possible, our events will respect social distancing guidelines when people gather together indoors. We will also make every effort to hold retreats in venues with single rooms and large communal spaces, where people can be spaced out and we can lower risks. During events, friends may be inspired to approach and hug one another during events. We encourage all our participants to be sure to check for consent for any kind of bodily contact, and to respect each-other’s preferences.
MASKS
We follow CDC guidelines which, at this time (last update: September 2021), recommend that all people, regardless of vaccination status, wear masks in indoor public spaces. In some cases, when social distancing is possible and everyone is vaccinated, attendees at events may temporarily remove their masks (eg. for eating or giving a talk). Please check specific protocols for retreats and other events, which will be published in advance. Please be sure you are clear on the protocols of such events before deciding to participate.
OTHER MEASURES
Further Covid-19 precautions at our events could include (and are not limited to):
Covid-19 testing the morning of the start of a retreat (even if you are vaccinated).
Temperature screening on arrival.
Statement to sign on arrival confirming that you have not had symptoms in the last two days, and that in the last 10 days you have not been diagnosed with COVID-19, and that to the best of your knowledge you have not had had close contact with anyone who has COVID-19 in the last 10 days.
Increased outdoor activities.
Frequent cleaning and hand-sanitizing.
IN THE EVENT OF INFECTION
If we become aware of anyone becoming infected at or around the time of one of our events, we will make every effort to support swift contact tracing and inform all those who may have been exposed. We will also respect any request for confidentiality of the person(s) infected, and only share their names if given explicit permission. We kindly ask our community members to please let the council know if they have tested positive for Covid-19 and may have exposed other community members. This is so we can all help each other minimize the risk of infection spread. Thank you for your cooperation.