February 14, 2023 (see below for modifications)

Historical Log of Modifications

Feb 14 – Comprehensive update, including the removal of the pre-trip testing requirement.

The following is an overview of the COVID-19 risk mitigation strategies we expect to use during the summer of 2023.

COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

All students must be fully vaccinated* against COVID-19 before the program start date. We do not offer any exceptions to this policy. Individuals who are eligible to receive a booster are encouraged to do so.

*Fully vaccinated – current definition
The CDC considers individuals fully vaccinated for COVID-19 greater than or equal to 2 weeks after they have received the second dose in a 2-dose series (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca, etc.), or greater than or equal to 2 weeks after they have received a single-dose vaccine (Johnson and Johnson [J&J]/Janssen).

Pre-Trip Precautionary Period

10-day Pre-Program Precautionary Period

We encourage all students to consider the ten days leading up to the program start date as a “precautionary period” where they select to operate in an environment of enhanced COVID-19 risk mitigation, reducing the risk of unnecessary exposure when appropriate.

Travel & On-boarding

Our pre-trip risk mitigation strategies culminate on travel day and during the onboarding process.

1. Pre-Departure Testing for Symptomatic Individuals
To avoid both the risk of transmission and the unnecessary expense of shore-side accommodation, we strongly recommend that any student experiencing COVID-like symptoms complete a rapid antigen test before traveling to the program.

2. Testing upon Arrival for Symptomatic Individuals
Students displaying COVID-like symptoms on arrival may be required to take a rapid antigen test. Any student testing positive will be denied boarding and must isolate ashore for the appropriate duration as defined by the GXG Ending Isolation Protocol (refer to the linked document in the section below). All costs associated with this isolation period will be the family’s responsibility.

Confirmed COVID-19 Diagnosis on Program

Naturally, students and parents want to know how we would respond to a diagnosed case of COVID-19 in our program.

Our response strategy would naturally require the individual who tested positive to wear a mask and then isolate to the extent possible. This is difficult aboard a vessel, so we will look to relocate any student who tests positive to shoreside accommodation as soon as practical for any boat-based program. Students should carry insurance that will cover them should isolation be necessary, as the cost of food and individualized accommodation is the family’s responsibility. We will provide indirect staff support for any student needing to isolate during the regularly scheduled program dates, but please understand that isolation is isolation. Unless we also have a staff member who has tested positive, we will not ask staff to isolate with a positive student. Depending on the severity of the symptoms and/or program schedule, we may require a parent/guardian to travel to the isolation location to assist their student during this period. Ending the isolation period is determined by the following protocol:

Ending Isolation Protocol

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