Updated June 8, 2023
It is our priority to protect the health of everyone who comes to The Whidbey Institute, including guests, program leaders, and staff. The Whidbey Institute respectfully requires that you not attend if:
- You are positive for Covid-19
- You are currently experiencing symptoms of Covid-19
- You have knowingly been exposed to a confirmed case of Covid-19 within 10 days of your scheduled retreat, program, or event
Prior to Arrival
When registering for an event or program at the Whidbey Institute, please note our Policy for Cancellations Due to a Positive Case of COVID-19.
We ask that you come to the Whidbey Institute only if you have no COVID symptoms, no fever, and/or no known exposure to a positive case of COVID-19 within the last 10 days.
We strongly recommend that those traveling by air test before departing home and avoid having to return home in the event of a positive test result upon arrival at the Whidbey Institute.
For programs not conducting Covid tests upon arrival at the Whidbey Institute, we encourage participants to Covid test before arrival if concerned about Covid symptoms or exposure.
Arrival
For multi-day programs choosing to conduct Covid testing, a rapid onsite test will be administered for every guest upon arrival. Tests are provided by the Whidbey Institute, the cost of which is included in your registration fees.
For programs not choosing this option, see “Prior to Arrival” Covid testing information above.
Whidbey Institute Practices
In light of the continuing and widely varying views on public health concerns regarding Covid viruses and our collective responsibility care for one another, we recommend vaccinating, masking, and physical distancing while indoors. Masks are recommended but not required while indoors or during high-density outdoor gatherings.
We coordinate specific needs with each group leader according to the activities of their particular event or program. As a baseline for all groups, the following applies:
- The use of face-coverings is at the discretion of program leaders in the food and beverage service lines and bathrooms in common spaces
- Hand sanitizer is available throughout the campus
- Good hygiene is encouraged with reminder signage posted around the campus
- Stringent housekeeping protocols have been adopted and are used regularly
- Meal service is buffet style, with the following safety protocols in place:
- Diners are asked to sanitize hands before entering the meal line
- A sneeze-guard has been installed
- Our kitchen follows stringent health department guidelines
These guidelines apply to staff, visitors, program participants, volunteers, and program leaders. Different people have different levels of comfort and needs vary widely. Please care for yourself and respect the boundaries of others. As always, common sense and courtesy are requested—if unwell, please stay home and rest!
For more information, see the Washington State Department of Health page which offers guidance on masking and vaccinations.