Vaccination has been proven to prevent infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 infections. In order to provide the safest experience for everyone, First Descents (FD) strongly encourages all Parties to be vaccinated, if not contraindicated as advised by their medical provider to do so.
For those that are vaccinated, FD requires proof of vaccination (see list of approved COVID-19 vaccines).
For those who remain unvaccinated, FD requires proof of a negative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test within 72 hours of the program start time and date. If traveling (e.g. by car or plane) to a program, FD must receive test results before travel commences.
For those who remain unvaccinated, we recommend that you discuss with your medical provider the risks and benefits of vaccination prior to application for a program. We also encourage you to discuss with your provider the appropriateness of attendance at a program that may have other participants who are immunocompromised and/or are unable to be vaccinated due to an exemption.
For those in need of a medical or religious exemption with regard to a COVID-19 vaccine, please indicate so on your application and complete a PCR test within 72 hours of the program start time and date.
Masking is required while indoors at all times, and outdoors when distancing cannot be maintained, regardless of vaccine and/or testing status.