Covid Safety Protocols

Updated April 14, 2022

Thompson Island Outward Bound is committed to the safety of our students, guests, and staff. We are diligently following all CDC, State of Massachusetts, City of Boston, and Outward Bound USA guidelines and adhering to all city and state regulations. For detailed information on our safety practices, please see below. If you have additional questions, please contact Matt Hardy, Director of Safety and Training. Additional updates to come as CDC, national, state, and county guidelines evolve. 

Covid-19 Safety Practices for 4K Trail Run

Prior to arrival:

• Thompson Island Outward Bound requires runners and other participants to be fully vaccinated to participate in this event. We have determined that requiring all participants attending the 4K event to be fully vaccinated is necessary for the protection of the health and safety of all event participants, their families and friends, and the community at large.  
• Staff and 4K participants will be required to complete a brief health assessment on their phone confirming that they are fully vaccinated and sharing both current health and possible exposure to Covid-19. Signs with instructions and QR codes to register with are prominently displayed before boarding the ferry.
• Any person experiencing Covid-19 symptoms prior to their visit will be asked to please stay home.

On-island:

• Staff and runners will be expected to practice enhanced personal hygiene, including frequent hand washing and sanitizing.
• Staff and Runners will be required to wear masks indoors on the ferry. Thompson Island Outward Bound will provide participants with a mask if they do not have their own. On island and on outdoor decks of the ferry, masks are optional.

Covid-19 Safety Practices for Educational Programs

Prior to arrival:

• Participants (and parents of students who are minors) are required to sign a Covid-19 Statement of Understanding.
• If any participant is experiencing Covid-19 symptoms prior to or upon arrival, they will not be permitted to start the course or on Thompson Island.

On-island:

• Staff and students will conduct daily health checks for Covid-19 symptoms.
• Staff and students on overnight courses will be tested upon arrival on Thompson Island, and 4-8 days after the beginning of the course.
• Staff and students will wear facial coverings indoors when around other groups; reusable face coverings will be available to all students and staff.
• Staff and students will be expected to practice enhanced personal hygiene, including frequent hand washing and sanitizing.
• Bathrooms and high-touch surfaces will be cleaned and sanitized frequently. 

Covid-19 Safety Practices for Events

Group gathering capacity will be limited to state and city guidelines. If you have questions about protocols for your upcoming event, please contact Denise Roaf, Director of Event Operations and Sales.

Prior to arrival:

• Staff and guests will be required to complete the Clear To Go health assessment on their phone sharing both current health and possible exposure to Covid-19. Signs with instructions and QR codes to register with are prominently displayed before boarding the ferry.
• Any person experiencing Covid-19 symptoms prior to their visit will be asked to please stay home.

On-island:

• Access to booked private venues will be limited to event guests and staff, and parties will be separated from other groups present on the Island. 
• Staff and guests will be expected to practice enhanced personal hygiene, including frequent hand washing and sanitizing.
• Bathrooms and high-touch surfaces will be cleaned and sanitized frequently.

FAQs

Will personal protective equipment (PPE) be available to guests? 

Face coverings will be made available to any visitor who loses or may need to replace their face covering, as will hand sanitizer and/or hand washing stations. 

What happens if I experience possible symptoms of Covid-19 during my visit?

If you feel symptomatic at any time during your visit, please inform a Thompson Island Outward Bound staff member immediately, who will take appropriate action to isolate you.

Will there be onsite health monitoring (e.g. taking guest's pulse and temperatures)?

We will not be taking guest's pulse or temperatures. However, prior to their arrival, all visitors will be required to complete a health self-check to confirm that they are not experiencing a fever and/or other Covid-19 symptoms and have not been knowingly exposed to anyone diagnosed with Covid-19.

How are you monitoring the health of your staff?

We have implemented a routine testing procedure for staff on Thompson Island and requiring all staff to self-monitor for symptoms of Covid-19 and to take the CDC’s self-check tool prior to their arrival to Thompson Island each day. 

Does Thompson Island Outward Bound require that all staff be vaccinated?

Yes, all staff are required to be up-to-date on Covid-19 vaccines as defined by the CDC and have received one booster dose when eligible.