Holden Village, as a community of practice, pledges mutuality and collective support for the safety and health of all in the Village. By following local, state, and federal guidelines and caring for the health of others as well as our own, we have enjoyed a renewed sense of community amidst all of the challenges. We invite all who will journey to Holden to work, play, teach, and learn, to join us in wellness practices that create a culture of care for all.
If you are at high risk of developing severe disease or complications should you become infected with COVID19 or other infectious diseases, we recommend you speak to your health care provider about your risks and consider not traveling to Holden Village, due to our remote mountain location and limited access to medical care. Additionally, as a historic mountain Village, Holden’s location poses notable challenges for those with limited mobility, particularly in the winter months due to snow accumulation and ice.
Holden requires all staff to be vaccinated against SARS-Cov2 (COVID) and up-to-date on tetanus and MMR.
Holden strongly recommends and urges all staff, faculty, contractors and guests take precautions against seasonal and recurring illness such as colds, flu, and COVID by staying up to date with flu vaccines, and COVID boosters.
Testing prior to arrival at Holden is recommended as a courtesy to the community but not required. A positive test while at Holden will result in restrictions for participating in indoor dining, worship, and programming.
Guests, faculty, and staff commit to healthy practices to reduce exposure to illness and to track symptoms for 2 weeks before arriving at Holden Village. Holden understands that the very act of traveling by plane, train, boat, or bus could itself increase exposure and asks everyone to practice infectious disease prevention measures, such as staying up to date on vaccinations, handwashing, testing, staying home when you are sick, and complying with CDC guidelines for using masks on public transportation as you journey.
We recognize that masking is effective against spread of infection of all types. People may mask voluntarily as their situation merits. Anyone in the Village experiencing symptoms (mild or severe) such as fever, cough, sore throat, or congestion is expected to mask until symptoms resolve. Masks are available in the Dining Hall and First Aid Station.
Once at Holden, any guest who becomes symptomatic will be tested by the medic on site. If positive for COVID-19, that person will be housed separately, during which they will refrain from entering indoor public spaces like the Dining Hall and Koinonia. Holden staff will arrange for special transportation so that the person who tested positive can leave the Village as soon as feasible. Please be aware that if special boat transportation is needed, there may be additional costs that the guest will be responsible for. If feeling well, they can go outside for walks or meet on porches with others when masked and distanced. Arrangements will be made for meal delivery to their residence. If a positive guest needs to remain in the Village, they will test again on day 5. Any who are negative at that point can come out of isolation. If still positive, they will remain in isolation until day 10. A person coming out of isolation on day 5 will still be required to mask for 5 additional days (total of 10).
Close contacts will be tested and, if positive, follow the same practices for self and community care specified above. If they test negative, they will be observed for symptoms and tested again within 5 days. Close contacts should wear a mask for 10 days from exposure regardless of symptoms. Additional protocols for those with direct exposure awaiting their second negative test may apply, such as refraining from taking saunas or singing indoors during that time period.
As in the past at Holden, serious illness or injury often results in emergency transport either by helicopter or the Chelan County Sheriff’s boat at the expense of the person needing medical care. Holden reserves the right to evaluate each situation using their medical counsel and make determinations based on the unique variables that each case presents.
Last Updated 11/1/2022
