General COVID-19 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 fully vaccinated.

Prior to Arrival at Dhamma Dena

1. 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.

2. 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 be ventilated by cracking a window or door and having a functioning 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.

Protocols During a Residential Retreat

Please see our Retreat COVID-19 Protocols.

While Outside of Dhamma Dena

• Wear an N95/KN95 mask in all indoor situations (Ex: Grocery shopping, etc)

• Residents will only spend time indoors unmasked with people who have tested negative immediately prior to the visit

If residents do not adhere to these safety protocols, they will need to mask for three days upon returning and then take a negative test before unmasking. 

Regular Testing for Long-term Residents

• All people will get tested after potential exposure, i.e., when these safety protocols were not followed.

• All people will quarantine while awaiting test results except long term residents waiting for routine monthly test results.