March 1, 2023 Update

Considering the latest CDC and state of Massachusetts COVID-19 guidelines, as of May 1st, 2023, we will no longer require COVID vaccinations to attend programs at BCBS. 

We will continue the following protocols during residential programs at BCBS for the safety of all yogis.

• All staff, teachers, and students will be required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 rapid test taken on the day of their arrival (home test kits are acceptable). Please take this test prior to your arrival at BCBS.
• Face masks are required in all shared spaces. N/KN95s or surgical masks are highly recommended. Masks must be worn completely over the mouth and nose at all times in our indoor spaces unless eating or drinking (or, for teachers, while teaching).
• All participants should have a plan for getting home quickly should they test positive or come down with an illness while at BCBS.
• For programs of 5 nights or more, at the teacher's or BCBS’ discretion, we may administer a second round of COVID-19 tests on the third day of the retreat. If all tests are negative, masking will be optional at that point.

We expect all yogis to be considerate of one another’s health and safety and to report to a staff person if they begin to experience any cold-like symptoms. If you fall ill before the start of a program, please stay home. Your full deposit will be refunded.

 

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August 24, 2022 Update

Taking into account the latest CDC and state of Massachusetts Covid 19 guidelines, we will continue using the following protocols during residential programs at BCBS for the safety of all until further notice.

•  All staff, teachers, and students will be fully vaccinated for Covid-19, including one booster.  Students will show their proof of vaccination when signing in.
• All staff, teachers, and students will also be required to show a negative Covid-19 test taken no longer than three days prior to arriving at BCBS (home test kits are acceptable).
• All participants will be given a rapid Covid-19 test to be self-administered when arriving at BCBS.
• N/KN95, N/KN94, or surgical face masks are required in all shared spaces. N/KN95s are highly recommended. Masks must be worn completely over the mouth and nose at all times in our indoor spaces unless eating or drinking (or talking in the case of teachers).
• We will continue to maintain social distancing indoors wherever possible. Teachers will be at least six feet from the nearest students while talking.
• All accommodations will be single occupancy; a few double rooms are available for friends who feel comfortable sharing a room, pods, and couples.
• All participants should have a plan for getting home quickly and safely should they test positive or come down with an illness while at BCBS.

We will keep windows open whenever possible and will have air purifiers running in the main indoor spaces. All surfaces will be regularly cleaned and disinfected. We expect all folks to be considerate of one another’s health and safety and to report to a staff person if feeling sick in any way. If you get sick before the start of a program, please stay home and your full deposit will be refunded.

Thank you for your care and cooperation. Any changes to these protocols will be posted here.

(Updated August 24, 2022)