COVID Guidelines
What is the opening plan?
Since beginning to plan experiences in mid-March Adventure Explorations (AE) has been closely monitoring the novel coronavirus pandemic both domestically and abroad. Our team completed extensive research in defining the criteria needed for operations and identifying changes needed to bring participant, staff, and faculty together in a responsible manner. Our recommendation considered learnings from peer organizations, and external public health and medical experts. The methods for proceeding with experiences were created using CDC Guidelines, PA Depart of Health Recommendations, industry leaders’ input, reputable news outlets.
To begin operations, AE is planning to implement the following policies, principles, guidelines, and procedures to mitigate the spread of the virus.
Risk Management policy
Risk is essential to an AE experience. We operate in dynamic, unpredictable environments and practice thoughtful and effective risk management to attain our
objectives. Contracting COVID-19, the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, is a new risk for everyone and (like other risks) cannot be eliminated. In addition, AE places a strong emphasis on hygiene and illness prevention. In our current world situation this is just as important now as it has always been. We follow guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for preventing the spread of illness
Principles for AE COVID-19 risk management:
Informed consent
Physical distancing
Face coverings (masks) when physical distancing is not practical
Increased attention to hygiene, with a focus on hands
Screening for symptoms (daily health checks)
Procedures implemented by AE Staff:
Trips will be guided privately.
Trips will have a maximum group size of 6 participants Staff will provide disposable water bottles. (Participants are highly
encouraged to bring their own reusable bottles)
Staff will implement social distancing when able to and does not increase the risk of the activity.
Staff will use Face Covering when not able to social distance and does not increase the risk of the activity.
Staff will wipe down all equipment using proper sanitation at the beginning and end of each trips.
Staff will provide an alcohol wipe for participants to wipe down any equipment that comes within contact with the skill unless it is damaging to the equipment.
Handwashing soap and sanitizer will be readily available.
All food service will be provided individual, compostable, or recyclable utensils and dishware that will be properly discarded at the end of each
experience. Screening for symptoms (daily health checks for staff)
Staff will frequently wash hands with soap and water and when that is not available, using alcohol-based sanitizer with greater than 60% alcohol.
Staff will use the crook of their arm (inner elbow) to cover their mouth when coughing or sneezing.
Staff will try to avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth.
Carry disinfectant wipes to wipe surfaces before touching.
Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces in vehicle
Pandemic plan:
We have a COVID-19 response plan and use a decision matrix to guide the company’s response to a pandemic or other major event that might affect our programming. This matrix is a tool we have used in the past for natural disasters such as a tsunami, earthquakes, or volcanoes as well as political unrest and other events. The plan includes
Actively monitoring the situation as it evolves
Following government guidance on travel risks when making cancellation decisions
Being prepared to respond to participants or staff who show symptoms of flu-like illness
Following government guidance on methods to prevent illness
Planning for possibility of widespread illness and program disruption
Resources are you using to make decisions
While there are many sources for coronavirus information, our primary resources
include:
Health information from the Center for Disease Control (CDC)
National, State, and other local health department advisories
The CDC Traveler’s Health page
Reputable news sources
We are also monitoring updates from:
The U.S. State Department including travel and other information
participant expectations and guidelines
Our commitment to risk management practices guides our operations; and the health and wellbeing of our participants, and staff is our priority. AE staff has a long history of operating in environments with risks. These risks are essential to achieving our educational objectives. However, AE also practices thoughtful and effective risk management. Contracting COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus, is a new risk for everyone and (like other risks) cannot be eliminated.
Potential Risks:
At times, participants will be in close physical proximity to one another and/or instructors.
There is potential of illnesses on course. Communicable and other infectious diseases from insects, animals, or people such as diarrhea, flu-like or respiratory illness, and other debilitating or life-threatening conditions including COVID-19 and other diseases caused by coronaviruses may occur.
The remote locations of our expedition courses are often away from medical facilities. Communication and transportation can be difficult and evacuations and medical care may be significantly delayed.
The physical contact required in our experiences is an inherent part of safety and when providing first aid.
Decisions made by the instructors, and participants will be based on a variety of perceptions and evaluations, which by their nature are imprecise and subject to errors in judgment.
Resources for our protocol
Federal, state, and local public health experts
Peer organizations
Local governmental agencies
Conditional trip operations
This is an evolving situation and our practices may change as we gain new information or as recommendations change. AE will decide when and under what
conditions any experience will operate using medical advice and our best judgment, and activities or locations of trips may be changed, potentially at the last minute.
preparing for your trip
AE may require participants to exercise certain precautions prior to arriving at their trip, including some of the following steps.
Take steps to limit your exposure to coronavirus for 14 days prior to your trip:
Physical distancing
Frequent hand washing
Monitoring for COVID-19 symptoms
Traveling to your trip:
Wash your hands often
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
Keep six feet of distance from others
Wear a mask when in public
Carry and use sanitizing wipes to clean surfaces you come in contact with
Cover coughs and sneezes
Avoid dine-in restaurants
important considerations
Do not travel to your AE experience if you have COVID-19 symptoms (cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, or new loss of taste or smell), have in the past 14 days been in close contact with someone suspected or confirmed as having COVID-19, or if you are confirmed or suspected as having COVID-19 in the past 14 days.
For those who are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 as defined by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), please carefully consider, in conjunction with your healthcare provider, whether to attend an AE trip at this time.
AE has a flexible refund policy and can work with you in order to fulfill these considerations. Contact our office to learn more.
during your trip
You’ve arrived! In consultation with health authority recommendations, we have introduced enhanced wellness practices and hygiene protocols to minimize the spread and exposure to COVID-19.
Health Checks
Upon arrival on your trip, we will conduct a health check that will include asking questions about how you are feeling, recent contact with anyone who is known or suspected to have COVID-19, and taking your temperature. If anyone begins showing symptoms of COVID-19, we will separate that individual from the group and seek medical advice.
Important Items on the Equipment List:
Buff-style neck gaiters,
Bandana, Face Covering
Best In-Field Practices
Physical distancing (six feet or two meters) when possible
Masks for when physical distancing is not possible
Hand washing
For these measures to be effective, we need commitment and diligence from our participants and staff. Participants who, in our judgement, do not comply with these expectations may be asked to leave the trip.
Unexpected Symptoms or Illness on an Experience
If a participant develops symptoms of COVID-19, they will be isolated from the group. Staff will seek medical advice and follow our COVID-19 illness guidelines, which may include evacuation from the trip. If a participant is evacuated, it is unlikely they will be able to rejoin their trip due to logistics
