UPDATE ON VACCINATION FOR MOUNTAIN BUREAU PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS
In the wake of announcements by the CDC and other public health authorities regarding the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the Delta variant, and future variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, we have decided to require proof of full vaccination for all participants in Mountain Bureau programs beginning October 1, 2021. Participants should bring their vaccination card, or a legible photo of their card, to present to their guide or instructor at their program rendezvous.
Risk management is at the very core of what we do as a company. The risks posed by the Delta variant and any future variants to our staff, our clients, our families, and our communities must be managed with reasonable measures, just as risks we face in the mountains must be. The approved vaccines are judged by public health authorities to be safe and effective. There is a strong scientific consensus that the risks of vaccination, though real, are substantially lower than the risks of contracting Covid-19, even for young and otherwise healthy people.
Since the new vaccination policy will take some people by surprise, refunds will be available to those who have already registered for trips prior to October 1, understanding that vaccination was optional prior to that date.
For more information on The Mountain Bureau’s COVID response and policies, please continue reading.
COVID Response and policies
Risk of transmission on a program
The Mountain Bureau is approaching the COVID-19 transmission risk like that of any infectious disease, meaning transmission can only be mitigated and never eliminated. Information provided by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) leads us to believe the risk of transmission is significantly reduced by the use of effective vaccines, the nature of our low-ratio outdoor programming and taking the CDC recommended precautions.
We will work to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Here is how…
Starting October 1, 2021, all Mountain Bureau Staff and program participants will be required to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination prior to program participation.
Front loading all participants and staff with COVID-19 resources and promoting self-care to participants and staff.
Vetting participation prior to programing of any guide or participant that presents with the CDC's stated Symptoms of COVID-19, as well as at the start, and during the program.
Participants agree to bring masks and hand sanitizer to all program. Staff and participants agree to wear masks when the nature of the activity will not allow social distancing of 3ft.
Offering programs in open air environments.
Encouraging staff and participants to regularly wash their hands or use hand sanitizer when a proper hand washing facility is not available.
Training our staff to minimizing periods where social distancing can not be adhered to.
Only allowing similar households to share tents or accommodations unless all parties have completed the vaccination process prior to cohabitating and agree to the shared arrangements.
Requiring staff and participants to wear masks while carpooling.
Mountain Bureau Guides are trained to protect you and themselves from transmission of this infectious disease. As part of this precaution, mouth-to-mouth resuscitation (rescue breathing) will not be applied as as part of any required Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) first aid. Standard "Chest Compression Only" CPR will be applied if required.
Insure your trip or course against COVID-19
The Mountain Bureau has partnered with Global+Rescue to offer trip securities that protect you and your program in the time of COVID-19. Global Rescue’s IMG Signature Travel Insurance SM provides coverage against a variety of unexpected expenses while you're traveling, and gives you the added comfort of knowing the actual value of your trip is protected if something goes wrong, with no exclusions for COVID-19.
