General COVID-19 Protocols
Below are our COVID-19 protocols for those coming to Dhamma Dena as one of the following: visitor, individual self-retreatant, individual work-retreatant, or long-term resident. If you are coming to Dhamma Dena to attend a formal residential retreat, see our Retreat COVID Protocols.
Updated August, 2023
We offer these protocols in the spirit of valuing all life as sacred. We hope these guidelines can keep us all safe and well as we come together to practice and overcome this time of collective challenge together.
Vaccination Mandate
We require all visitors and retreatants to be vaccinated unless unable to for health reasons.
Prior to Arrival at Dhamma Dena
In the week before your arrival at Dhamma Dena, please practice great care to remain uninfected. Wear a N95/KN95 mask when in crowded indoor public spaces. If you are traveling by plane, please keep your mask on during the flight.
Please also bring two at-home rapid COVID-19 tests with you. (If you cannot afford a test kit, we will have tests available for you to use.)
Symptoms
If you are sick or experiencing the symptoms of a COVID infection, please wait until your symptoms fully resolve and you are testing negative before coming to Dhamma Dena. We are happy to reschedule your stay after you are fully recovered. Symptoms of COVID-19 commonly appear 2-3 days before a positive test result. At this time, COVID-19 symptoms include one or more of the following:
Fever (greater than 100.4º F or 38º C)
Chills or shaking
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Runny nose or sinus congestion
Diarrhea
Muscle pain or body aches
Headache
Unusual fatigue
Eye redness with or without discharge
Nausea or vomiting
Arrival at Dhamma Dena
When you arrive at Dhamma Dena, you will be asked to self-administer a rapid COVID-19 rapid test. We will have staff available to support you with how to take your test if needed. Teachers and staff will also participate in testing protocols.
While at Dhamma Dena
Masking is optional inside any of the common areas, including the Zendo, the Main House (kitchen & dining room), Samadhi House, Metta House, and shared bedrooms.
Common areas will have a HEPA air purifier.
There are outdoor tables available for eating meals, which you are encouraged to use.
There is the option to join the meditations outside the Zendo on the porch.
In the Event of a COVID-19 Infection
If anyone tests positive for COVID-19, they will need to move to quarantine accommodations and possibly make arrangements to leave Dhamma Dena.
Protocols During a Residential Retreat
Please see our Retreat COVID-19 Protocols.