2024 COVID Policy & Information

Viruses constantly change through mutation and sometimes these mutations result in a new variant of the virus. Some variants emerge and disappear while others persist. The new variants of COVID are particularly troubling because they spread more easily and quickly than previous variants.

In terms of Wasatch-Uinta Field Camp, a runaway outbreak of COVID at camp will greatly impede our ability to conduct the course. In a worst case scenario, it may force us to close camp early, jeopardizing the academic careers of students who need field-based units to satisfy graduation requirements and licensure as a professional geologist.

Required Actions: Before Arriving at Camp

1. Negative COVID test result before departing for camp

To help prevent the spread of COIVD-19 among those traveling from home institutions to WUFC, please take RAPID or PCR test within 24 hours of departing for camp to ensure that you are not infected before traveling. If you discover you are infected with COVID-19 before departing to camp, please contact the camp director and they will do thier best to help you make a plan for coming to camp once you have recovered.

2. Bring Your Vaccination Card with you. We do expect all students to be immunized unless you have religious beliefs, or some other strongly held beliefs that dictate you not be immunized.

All students must present their CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card(s) to a director (or designated staff) upon arrival at camp so we can verify that you are fully vaccinated and have received all necessary boosters. Please be sure you’re up-to-date with the bivalent booster as it is the only booster shown to be effective against the recent COVID variants.

3. Bring 5 RAPID tests with you

Everyone will perform (1) one RAPID test upon arrival at WUFC and (2) a second test at the end of the first week of instruction. The remaining three tests will be available to test as needed during camp. Do not wait to get your tests. RAPID test are widely available, but supply chain issues may complicate access.

4. Bring 10 Good N95 Masks

Please purchase some good quality, comfortably fitting, N95 masks. Cloth masks, buffs, face wraps, and surgical masks do not protect you from infection and will not be permitted. Please number these masks and recycle them by allowing at least 5 days before reusing them. There may be times at camp when you’ll be asked to mask-up due to infection in the camp, or some other valid reason. We ask that if you have cold symptoms that you wear a mask to prevent the spread of a cold through camp. Obviously, you should test for COVID if you have cold symptoms. If you have a negative result (don’t have COVID), we still want you to mask to prevent the spread of any infections.

Please visit the CDC link below for more information on N95 masks:

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/topics/respirators/disp_part/n95list1.html

COVID Policies at Camp

Pod Approach and outbreaks

Fortunately, camp is isolated from the public during our days in the field. We ask that you work to limit your exposure to the general public within reason. When you venture out to the grocery store, drug store or elsewhere, we ask that you do all you can to keep a safe distance from members of the public, and if you find yourself in a perceived risky setting, listen to your internal alarms and extract yourself.

If the COVID situation changes for the worse, or if we have infection in Camp, we will change our COVID-policies accordingly and strictly.

Quarantine, Isolation, & Potential for Camp Shutdown

Anyone testing positive for COIVD will be placed into quarantine and isolation in accordance with policies established by the CDC and consortium universities. For more information on these policies, please visit the CDC link below:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/quarantine-isolation.html

These policies and procedures will continue to evolve as the pandemic continues to evolve. If the number of infected individuals reaches a threshold where the safety of students, staff, and faculty are compromised, camp will shut down and students will return home early even if the course is not completed.