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 January, 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.
Symptoms
Symptoms of COVID-19 commonly appear 2-3 days before a positive test result. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, please let us know and stay home until the symptoms are resolved. 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
Vaccination & Booster Mandate
We require all visitors and retreatants to be fully vaccinated with at least one booster, and to show proof upon arrival.
Prior to Arrival at Dhamma Dena
All visitors and retreatants are required to take a PCR COVID-19 test within 72 hrs (3 days) of arrival at Dhamma Dena and show proof of a negative result upon arrival. Most PCR test results take 1-3 business days to receive, so please schedule your test accordingly. If you are absolutely unable to find a PCR test where you live or cannot find one for free, there is an option to take a rapid test before you leave.
Between your test and arrival at Dhamma Dena, please practice great care to remain uninfected. Wear a N95/KN95 mask when indoors or in crowded public spaces and practice 6-foot distancing. Please do not use a cloth mask.
Please also bring one at-home rapid COVID-19 test with you. (If you cannot afford a test kit, we will have tests available for you to use. You can order free tests delivered to your home here.)
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.
Precautions While Traveling to Dhamma Dena
For the safety of the community, we ask that retreatants keep an N95/KN95 mask on in all indoor, public locations, while traveling to the center. If you are traveling by plane, please keep your mask on during the flight, including refraining from eating. To drink water on the flight, use a straw under your mask.
Arrival at Dhamma Dena
When you arrive at Dhamma Dena, you will be asked to self-administer a COVID-19 rapid test. We will have staff available to support you with how to take your test if needed.
Protocols During a Residential Retreat
Please see our Retreat COVID-19 Protocols.
Visitors, Self- and Work-Retreatants, and Long-term Residents
Outside of residential retreats, with a smaller number of people residing at the center, we relax the indoor mask policy. We may share a living space, and be together indoors without a mask or distancing.
While Outside of Dhamma Dena
Wear an N95/KN95 mask in all indoor situations (Ex: Grocery shopping, etc)
Wear a N95/KN95 mask when outdoors around crowds of people (Ex: Farmers market, 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
Long term residents will get a COVID-19 test at least once every month.
All people will quarantine while awaiting test results except long term residents waiting for routine monthly test results.
All people will get tested after potential exposure, i.e., when these safety protocols were not followed.
PCR COVID-19 Testing Near Dhamma Dena
Rite-Aid in Yucca Valley offers PCR COVID-19 testing, which is 17 miles from Dhamma Dena. Their address: 57701 29 Palms Hwy, Yucca Valley, CA 92284
San Bernardino County Health Department’s website has PCR testing appoinments at various locations around the county, but the testing site in Joshua Tree is no longer in operation. Appointments may not be available near Dhamma Dena, so plan accordingly.