General COVID-19 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

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.)

4. 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.