Unfortunately, Covid is still with us. We are constantly reviewing our Covid policy to best protect those attending our retreat.  We are doing the best to balance the needs of all participants as we consider this and other policies. 

Below is a description of our Covid policy for the retreat, including prevention measures and on-site response to a possible Covid infection.

All participants should self test with a rapid/antigen home kit on the morning of the start of retreat before traveling to the retreat center.  If this test comes up positive, test again to double check. If you’re positive, you won’t be able to attend the retreat.

When you arrive we will ask you to affirm and sign that you have tested negative on a home test. 

We will have a limited number of extra tests on hand, but please try to test at home before you come.

Please bring another Covid rapid antigen test with you. We will take this test midway through the retreat, on Thursday. 

If you test positive for Covid while on retreat, you will need to go into isolation and arrange for travel out of the retreat as soon as possible. Of course, we will provide you with meals and your own room during this time. 

Please create a travel / quarantine plan prior to the retreat in case it becomes necessary. Travel plans may need to include booking an airbnb nearby or staying with friends who live nearby in the chance you are not able to fly, bus or take a train home due to a positive covid test.

Overall Health and Wellness Policy for Or HaLev Retreats

Health & Wellness Policy

1. Shared Responsibility

Our retreat is a communal space grounded in care, respect, and mutual responsibility. Each participant is responsible for tending to their own physical, emotional, and mental well-being, while contributing to a safe and supportive environment for others.

2. Illness & Communicable Conditions

• If you are feeling unwell prior to the retreat (fever, flu-like symptoms, vomiting, contagious illness), we ask that you do not attend.

• If you become sick during the retreat:

  • Please notify a facilitator as soon as possible.

  • You may be asked to rest, mask in shared spaces, or isolate depending on symptoms.

• Each retreat has its own COVID-19 policy evolving based on location and local public health recommendations. Please see the policy of your particular retreat.  

3. Medications & Medical Needs

• Participants are responsible for bringing and managing their own medications.

• Please inform organizers in advance of any serious medical conditions, allergies, or accessibility needs that may require support.

• Retreat staff are not medical professionals and cannot administer medication (except in emergencies as required).

4. Responding to Health Concerns About Others

We recognize that in a shared space, participants may feel concerned if someone nearby is coughing, sneezing, or showing signs of illness. We aim to balance care for community health with respect and dignity for individuals.

If You Feel Concerned:

• Do not confront or call out another participant directly.

• Instead, bring your concern privately to a teacher or retreat manager.

• We encourage you to take a pause before making assumptions and describe what you are observing (e.g., “I’ve noticed repeated coughing in the meditation hall and I’m feeling uneasy.”)

How Facilitators Will Respond:

• A faculty member or the retreat manager will discreetly check in with the individual in question.

• The goal is care, not accusation to understand how they’re feeling and assess any risk.

• If appropriate, the facilitator may suggest:

  • Resting

  • Masking in shared spaces

  • Taking space from group activities

  • Seeking medical attention if needed

Community Expectations

• Sneezing, coughing, or allergies alone are not grounds for intervention (nor necessarily an indication of communicable illness).

• Participants are encouraged to take personal precautions if they feel vulnerable (e.g., masking, distancing, spending time outdoors).