Planet Earth Covid Policy 2022

 Hello Planet Earth!

Planet Earth wants to do all we can to keep you safe while still being able to enjoyl the adventures BM has to offer. We believe it's important for us to care for one another, respect one other's boundaries and to think of other's well being.

We've decided, to camp with us this year, you'll need to be 'fully vaccinated' and up to date according to CDC guidelines. This means you have received all doses in the primary series and all boosters recommended for you, when eligible.

You can take at look at CDC's guidelines here:

We also have people who are coming from outside the US, and if you are and fall under the CDC guidlines of 'fully vaccinated' that's great!  But there are other vaccines out there and each one has a different requirement.  If you fall into those cases, please contact one of the PE leaders to confirm if you are fully vaccinated or not. 

In addition we ask you bring 4 COVID testing kits that you can use in case you start coming down with cold or flu like symptoms. If you test positive, we askyou to self isolate for at least 5 days (as guided by CDC) and wear a mask when around others. We request you bring surgical or N95/KN95/KF94 masks because cloth masks / bandanas are not helpful in protecting others.

What if you test positive?
● Let one of the camp leaders know
● Mask up with N95s to protect others
● Isolate as much as possible
● Stay at least 10 feet away from others and always wear your mask
● Make sure you have several days of water and food or have made arrangements for nourishment from others if you become ill
● If you have shortness of breath or feel really ill, ask for help and escalate the situation. The Burning Man ESD (Medical Facility is an excellent resource that is well staffed with medical personnel)
● Do not un-isolate until 2 tests that are 12 hours apart are negative
● Consider Paxlovid if significantly symptomatic after ensuring you have no contraindications (Please review above important physician input information)
● Have a plan of what you will do if one member of a couple or group gets sick; If you need to leave the playa, have a plan and do so safely.

In the event someone comes down with COVID we will designate 1 porta that they can only use.  The other 2 will remain COVID free.  Camp members can use any of the 3 portas, but at their own risk.

You can take a look at CDC's quarantine guidelines here:

Please remember that this is about protecting your campmates and showing that you care about their health. We understand it's not an ideal situation but we believe it's worth it so that we can be back home for 2022 in the safest way possible.

Here's some recommendations for reducing COVID risk:

● Bring masks (N95 are best)! Bring more than what you think you will need, and then some more!

● Consider bringing your own Paxlovid- it is critical that the contraindications and potential medicine interactions be discussed with your doctor. Note: Temperature range is 68○F to 77○F (excursions permitted between 59○F to 86○F). This will need to be appropriately stored in a cool place.

● Bring a lot of hand sanitizer products, disinfectant wipes, etc.

● **Hand hygiene**—wash hands, use antibacterial based sanitizer - especially when working with food preparation

● Mask up (valveless masks ONLY, N95 masks are best) in crowded places indoors or outdoors; when doing strenuous activities with others, etc

● Avoid touching your face

● Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing with the crook of your elbow

● Stay isolated and test if you feel unwell

● Stay isolated and test if you have been exposed. You can still be contagious without symptoms.

● Be aware of symptoms: Headache, Fever, Cough, Shortness of Breath, Body aches, Sore throat

● Consider using gloves when handling food/drinks if you have any skin lesions or skin breaks

● Just because you've had COVID, your risk of getting it again is not significantly diminished

● It is absolutely fine if you want to wear a mask whenever you want in camp or elsewhere. No shaming!

● BM Porta Potties! COVID is excreted in the fecal matter- it is strongly recommended to wear a N95 mask in the BM Porta Potties, and wipe and spray as above!

We look forward to building, creating, dancing, eating, having adventures, and tearing it all down with you.

See you on The Playa!