COVID Guidelines for Mindcamp

These guidelines are based on information we have to date; if something changes (e.g. if a bad new variant starts spreading) we may have to update them.

The Overarching Principle: We ask all participants to use their best judgement to keep themselves and others safe.

Based on this principle, here are the guidelines.

What You Can Do At Mindcamp

We encourage and support masking, especially indoors, but it is not mandatory. We’ll have disposable masks freely available to all.

We will have a number of rapid antigen tests available at Mindcamp for participants who feel they may have been exposed to COVID. (Because that number is limited, please bring your own test kit if you can — that would be a great help.)

Take advantage of the outdoors for socializing or offering sessions. There will be at least one rainproof gazebo, and there are numerous comfortable outdoor spots to enjoy a chat — not to mention the beach!

If you feel symptoms after you’ve arrived, you will isolate temporarily and test. If symptoms persist (or you test positive), you will need to make arrangements to go off-site to recover. We will help you with all of this.

What You Can Do Before Mindcamp

Please take extra care to avoid exposure in the two weeks prior to Mindcamp. Be mindful of the investment you and others have made to come to this retreat! Here are some suggestions:

  • Ensure your vaccinations/boosters are fully up to date.
  • In particular, if you’re flying during this period, wear a mask during the flight and at the airport, even if you normally do not.
  • If you have to cancel because of a positive COVID test you can either send someone else in your place OR apply your fees to next year.

Please note that these are suggestions, not rules. We are trusting you all to use your best judgement, and to be considerate of others.

Some Background Information

Here’s some of the things we considered in making these decisions:

Current government guidelines in Ontario do not require masking or vaccination. Note that 87% of eligible Ontario residents are fully vaccinated.

Unifor is well designed to minimize respiratory contagion. Shared indoor environments are large and well-ventilated, and there is ample opportunity to move around outside when weather permits.