Covid Update

I wanted to give you an update on Covid and the retreats, as I know many people have wondered what the fall retreats will look like. Please keep in mind that this is an update as of August 15th, and is subject to change prior to the September, October, or November retreat dates. I will post updates on Facebook and on the website blog if things change.

Attending the retreat: An option to be mask-free!

Everyone will need to show proof of being fully vaccinated or show results of a negative Covid test administered within 72 hours of your arrival at the retreat in order to be mask-free at the retreat. This would mean you wouldn't need to wear a mask at all while attending the retreat. 

Vaccine status: You must be two weeks past your final dose. You may show your vaccine card or show your pass through the NYS Excelsior Pass Wallet app on your phone.

Covid test: The Covid test (such as Antigen or PCR) will need to be administered within the 72 hours prior to your arrival at the retreat. You will need to show the official statement of your results, email format is fine, as long as I can see it to record the necessary data. Photographs will not be accepted.

I do realize that vaccinations and Covid tests are a personal choice and I respect that. If you opt not to show proof of vaccine or negative Covid test, it would mean wearing a mask everywhere in the hotel except when in your seat or in your hotel room. When you get out of your seat to move around the ballroom, shop in the store, use the bathroom, walk back to your room, etc. you will need to wear a mask. (This is how it was for everyone at the Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 retreats.)

Additionally, I encourage anyone who would feel more comfortable in a mask to wear one. So even if you are fully vaccinated or showed a negative Covid test, feel free to wear a mask anytime you would feel more comfortable wearing one!

Lastly, I continue to ask that you not attend if you don't feel well.

Things around the retreat: A few details...

We will continue to have hand sanitizers located at several places within the ballroom and just outside the ballroom. We will continue to disinfect high touch surfaces such as the luggage carts, door handles, and pens. The hotel will continue with their Covid disinfecting procedures, and all hotel staff will be masked as well.

At this time, we will be able to have a coffee station setup in the ballroom! Something new is that you will need to bring your own covered cup for coffee. Our hotel (and many others) are having a very hard time getting cups and lids right now. It is a strict rule that all drinks must be in covered cups in the ballroom to prevent spills and accidents that can damage your own projects/photos, as well as those of others. If you don't have or forget a covered coffee cup, there will be some available for purchase at the retreat.

In the ballroom we will also have bottled water and light snacks. The fruit infused water will not be back for the fall retreats.

Breakfast is back to normal for the time being and is no longer a "to go" breakfast.

There are no restrictions on the pool or fitness center, so no need to sign up for time slots.

Please reach out to me directly if you have any concerns regarding these guidelines that you would like to discuss.

COVID Screening Form

Everyone will be required to fill out a COVID screening form before entering the ballroom, regardless of vaccination or testing status. No need to print this out, we will have the forms ready for you. If you will not be able to sign off on each of these points, please contact me ASAP. This does not mean that you would not be able to attend the retreat. It just means I have a few more questions for you that are best addressed prior to arrival.