The 2024 Covid Guidelines are provided to protect our beloved Sangha.  While Covid is now considered a pathogen in our general environment that we must live with, Camp Samish Zen retreats, similar to any other multi day indoor residential event, present some increase in risk and contagion.  Thus, RCZC asks for your compassionate action to help protect for your community by following the following guidelines for limiting risk for our Sangha.

Prevention: We all know the best practices to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses:  handwashing, personal distance spacing when possible, masking, and testing for Covid if we become symptomatic. At the individual level, taking appropriate precautions is recommended based on personal health risk factors.  At the facility level, providing as much ventilation as possible in enclosed spaces, and making masks and hand cleaning supplies available are recommended.  Here at Samish you have options for masking and eating meals in a separate area.

Illness: In the event that a sesshin participant develops  symptoms of Covid, please do the following:

First, do not come to Zendo and notify the leadership.  Please leave a note in the dining area for the Retreat Manager that you are not well and describe your symptoms.

Second, test for Covid

1. If POSITIVE, you will need to leave Sesshin as the Camp cannot provide support for the CDC-recommended five days of isolation. If you are from out of town, there are commercial accommodations close by like BnBs or motels.  We can arrange for a ride if needed.
   
   

2. If NEGATIVE,

   1. Avoid contact with other camp residents and staff by remaining in your cabin and/or being outdoors where others are not present. 

   2. You may continue sesshin online Iusing our regular Zoom room.

   3.  Meals may be provided at your cabin for two days (48 hrs after first test). You may eat outdoors if no others are present.

3. TEST AGAIN in 48 hours after your first test.

   1.  If positive, please leave Samish

   2.  If negative, you may attend Zendo and meals. Please be masked in the zendo until all symptoms have abated. If additional caution feels called for, consider moving your seat to the balcony area. In the dining room please mask before eating and socially distance during eating until all symptoms have abated.

Thank you for your understanding.  We “dance” with Covid whenever we gather in large groups or travel, or so it seems.

With great love and compassion, your retreat management team (Nomon Tim, Raizelah, Desiree, Talus, Michael, Seishin) and the RCZC Health Team (Mary RN, PA, MPH; Hannah RN; Collin MD, MPH;  Seishin RN, Ken MD, Tina RN.