In order to minimize the risk of contracting or spreading COVID, and to protect the most vulnerable among us, the Annual Session Planning Committee agreed on the following requirements for those attending in person:
Vaccination
Vaccination Required. We will require COVID-19 vaccinations for all participants over 6 months old. We encourage everyone to have the newest, bivalent vaccine at least 2 weeks before attending Annual Session. We will not require Friends to show vaccination cards, but will trust their word that they and their children have been vaccinated.
Testing
Testing beforehand is encouraged but not mandatory. When you arrive, rapid antigen tests will be available and you’re encouraged to take one. During Annual Session, rapid tests will be available in case anyone becomes symptomatic. If you are feeling ill prior to Annual Session, even if you do not test positive for COVID, please do not attend.
Masking
Mask wearing indoors is required, in accordance with current NPYM policy, except that children aged 5 and under will be exempt.
Quarantine Provisions
Self-check symptoms daily before leaving on-site residence. If symptoms of COVID occur, contact the AS Health Coordinator to get a rapid test (if you don’t have one of your own). If you test positive, we recommend that you return home. We will have a few quarantine rooms available if you cannot leave. Meals will be brought to you, and you may attend online AS.
Other Provisions
Bring a thermometer to use if you feel you may have a fever.
Friends are encouraged to take advantage of outdoor seating opportunities during AS. We will have a tent pavilion outside so that Friends have space sheltered from the sun. Physical distancing is encouraged when eating indoors or outside.
Frequent hand washing is still recommended. COVID-19 is primarily airborne, but hand hygiene is still important, using soap and water for 20 seconds or if that is not possible, using a 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Please bring your own hand sanitizer.
Space seating out whenever possible and move conversations outside when possible.
Group singing will take place outdoors and distanced.
Contract Tracing
In a setting such as Annual Session, contact tracing (remembering the names of every person you’ve been in contact with) is very difficult. This is why we plan to share the names of people who have tested positive during and after Annual Session: it is easier for in-person attenders to ask themselves if they have been in contact with a specific person.
After AS, please participate in contact tracing. Notify NPYM if you test positive for COVID within 2 weeks after AS so NPYM staff can follow up.
When registering for in-person Annual Session, you will be asked to affirm that you and those you are registering for in-person Annual Session agree to the above policies AND that you all consent to having your name published to other in-person attenders if you test positive for COVID during or within two weeks after Annual Session.