COVID-19 Policy

COVID-19 Policy

Summer 2021 COVID-19 Policies

Updated June 28, 2021

On the heels of a uniquely challenging year punctuated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Cameron Peak wildfire, we are happy to announce that SMC will welcome guests back to our land beginning in July 2021. 

As we reopen, we wanted to share our continued commitment to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of all of our guests, presenters, and staff. To promote a safe experience at SMC, we will monitor and comply with applicable laws and regulations around COVID-19, and take into account recommendations from the CDC and other experts. 

Listed below are our current COVID-19 policies and guidelines based on current conditions. Although we are not in a position to eliminate all risk, we are committed to mitigating as much risk as practicable. We will continue to track the pandemic as it evolves and will adjust these measures as needed in response to emerging science, recommendations from the CDC, and guidelines set by Larimer County. We will post any updates to this page.

Although we don’t wish to exclude anyone from experiencing the wisdom and magic of SMC, we understand that our policies and guidelines may preclude some people from visiting. We appreciate your support and patience as we continue to navigate this complex and unprecedented situation, and hope to see you soon.

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All Registered Guests and Program Presenters (“Registered Guest(s)”)

  • All Registered Guests, subject to the exemptions listed below, must be fully vaccinated. Fully vaccinated means that it has been at least two weeks following completion of a full regimen of an authorized vaccine.
  • Registered Guests who are not fully vaccinated may still attend a program if non-vaccination is based on: 
    • A sincerely held (a) religious belief or (b) moral or philosophical viewpoint that is opposed to immunization;
    • A disability as defined by the ADA, including medical circumstances preventing vaccination; 
    • Pregnancy, pregnancy related medical conditions and/or breastfeeding; or
    • Unavailability of COVID-19 vaccine due to age.
  • When registering for a program, or upon arrival,  Guests must certify that they are either fully vaccinated, or that they have not been vaccinated due to one or more of the circumstances listed above.
  • Registered Guests must certify on arrival that they are not experiencing symptoms commonly associated with COVID-19 and have not experienced any of those symptoms for at least 7 days prior to arrival.
  • Any Registered Guest who experiences symptoms of or tests positive for COVID-19 during their stay will need to depart SMC immediately to seek medical attention or recover elsewhere. We recommend that anyone participating in a program either rent a car or come to SMC in their own vehicle. SMC staff will not be able to provide transportation in these circumstances. Additionally, if another Registered Guest who is not fully vaccinated provides transportation to someone who is experiencing symptoms of or has tested positive for COVID-19, they will not be permitted to return for the remainder of their scheduled stay. 
  • Fully vaccinated individuals or those within the same household will be permitted to select shared lodging options. Unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated individuals must select single occupancy lodging (Tent Single, Lodge Single Monk Room, Lodge Single, and Lodge Junior Suite). 

 

Unvaccinated Registered Guests Only

  • Registered Guests who are not fully vaccinated must have a negative COVID-19 test administered no earlier than 72 hours prior to arrival at SMC. (For example, a Friday arrival would require that a test producing negative results was taken no earlier than Tuesday.) Unvaccinated minors age 11 and under are not required to take a COVID-19 test prior to arrival. 
  • Unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated individuals 12 years of age or older must wear a mask over their nose and mouth while in any program spaces or indoor public areas. They may remove their masks when in outdoor settings, when dining, or in their assigned private rooms. Children 11 years of age or younger are not required to wear masks regardless of vaccination status or availability. 

 

SMC Employees & Volunteers

  • Although SMC encourages staff members to obtain COVID-19 vaccinations, we are not in a position to mandate vaccinations for staff at this time.
  • SMC Staff who are not vaccinated will wear masks while in public indoor spaces.

 

Day Visitors

  • SMC may be open to day visitors, primarily to visit the Great Stupa of Dharmakaya, while programs are in session. (Note:  visitors are not permitted inside the Stupa pending fire remediation.)
  • Day visitors will be required to follow the above guidelines, with not fully vaccinated individuals 12 years and older wearing a mask over their nose and mouth while in any public indoor spaces. They may remove their masks when in outdoor settings and when dining. Children 11 years of age or younger are not required to wear masks regardless of vaccination status or availability.