COVID Protocol for Vovcha Tropa 2022
Dear Parents,
Thank you for your cooperation and patience as we continue to navigate through the COVID Pandemic. We were able to successfully hold our camps in 2021 and we plan to have an even better year in 2022. Although we intend to have as normal camp as possible, we must keep the safety of our campers and families as our priority.
Below is our COVID policy for the 2022 Camp Season.
Pre-Arrival to Vovcha Tropa
1. All Campers must have a PCR test within 72 hours of arriving at camp.
a. PCR results can be emailed to medical@vovchatropa.org or uploaded to the link on the Covid questionnaire form. We also recommend you bring a copy on Day 1
b. If a camper has been diagnosed with COVID infection within the last 3 months, s/he may continue to test positive on PCR test in the absence of active infection. In this case, the camper may forgo a PCR test and instead provide supporting documentation and a clearance letter from their pediatrician.
2. All campers must bring 10 well-fitting masks. We intend to ONLY use masks when indoors during the first four days of camp (for example, if a camper needs to go into shpytalyk to get medication or for evaluation). During that time, activities will take place outdoors as much as possible. Campers will not be required to wear masks when outdoors.
3. All campers must bring 4 Rapid Antigen tests.
a. The first test will be used on arrival to Vovcha Tropa, the second will be used for repeat testing during camp, and 2 will be used if a camper is symptomatic or exposed. (We can return unused tests to you at the end of camp)
Arrival to Vovcha Tropa:
1. Campers will be assigned an arrival time. The camper will be tested using their Rapid Antigen test upon their arrival. Only campers will undergo testing. We ask that you wait in the car or wear a mask while outdoors until your test is resulted.
2. Once the camper is cleared to proceed, they will be directed to their appropriate camp.
3. Parents and siblings who will be exiting the car to unpack the campers belonging must wear a mask.
Screening during Camp
1. Campers will undergo repeat Rapid Antigen screening on Day 4, using their 2nd rapid COVID test.
2. Campers who have symptoms concerning for COVID will be asked to isolate from camp and mask until a rapid COVID test can be performed.
Campers with Positive COVID Tests:
1. If a camper tests positive on the PCR test before camp or the Rapid Antigen test on the first day of camp, they will need to return home for at least 10 days isolation.
2. If a camper tests positive on the Rapid Antigen test on day 4 of camp, they will need to return home for at least 10 days isolation.
3. Campers who test positive will need to be picked up from camp within 24 hours of testing positive.
Campers with exposure to a Covid positive camper:
Any campers sharing sleeping quarters will be considered close contacts, as well as any campers or staff who meet the criteria defined by the CDC, as determined by oselia medical staff.
1. If a close contact is unvaccinated, the camper will need to return home for at least 10 days isolation. They will be required to obtain a negative Rapid Antigen test prior to returning to camp and will be retested on arrival back to camp.
2. If a camper is vaccinated, they will be monitored closely and retested 5 days later They do not need to return home unless they are symptomatic or test positive on repeat testing
3. Families will be notified as soon as possible if a camper develops symptoms, tests positive, or is identified as a close contact of a positive case
I have attended multiple meetings over the last 4 months with medical professionals from around the United States as well as members of KPS devising recommendations to have a safe and successful year. These were written considering guidelines published by the CDC and the New York State Department of Health.
Thank you again for your cooperation.
Tatiana Sikorskyj, APN
