COVID Vaccination Policy
1. Purpose
Authentica’s COVID-19 Vaccination Policy is underpinned by our strong commitment to the safety, wellbeing, and protection of the program participants as well as the locals.
This Policy outlines Authentica’s approach towards the prevention of cases as well as management of the situation if someone is found to be COVID-19 positive during the program.
1. Purpose
Authentica’s COVID-19 Vaccination Policy is underpinned by our strong commitment to the safety, wellbeing, and protection of the program participants as well as the locals.
This Policy outlines Authentica’s approach towards the prevention of cases as well as management of the situation if someone is found to be COVID-19 positive during the program.
2. Scope
The COVID-19 vaccination policy applies to Authentica’s personnel, including; employees, volunteers, contractors, interns, accompanying guests of personnel, visitors, partner organisations during the delivery of Authentica’s work, across various countries in which we operate, including outside of office hours when travelling in country or in communities.
2. Scope
The COVID-19 vaccination policy applies to Authentica’s personnel, including; employees, volunteers, contractors, interns, accompanying guests of personnel, visitors, partner organisations during the delivery of Authentica’s work, across various countries in which we operate, including outside of office hours when travelling in country or in communities.
3. Policy
3.1. Requirement of vaccination before embarking on a program
- Authentica requires all the program participants, accompanying staff, and program leaders to be fully vaccinated before participating in our in-person programs. This means one has to be fully vaccinated for at least 14 days before embarking on the flight to the program destination.
- Authentica also ensures that all the key stakeholders during the program, including the local guides, drivers, and host organization members are fully vaccinated as well.
• NOTE: In case some participants are not vaccinated due to seriously held beliefs or medical conditions, we would need them to send a request letter for the exemption. They would, however, have to be prepared for bearing the full cost and budget additional time ahead of the program for any quarantine requirements as per the laws of the country being visited. - REASON FOR THIS REQUIREMENT: Authentica team has only the best interests of the participants in mind while enforcing this policy. This includes:
- Ensuring the participants do not face any trouble entry to the country, including delays at the airport, forced quarantine or vaccination in the foreign destination, etc.
- Reducing the risk of contracting COVID-19 or its variants during travel
- Reducing the risk of spreading COVID-19 and its variants among other participants as well as the visited country
- Ensuring the participant can fully immerse in all experiences during the program (as some venues they visit might be very strict about only allowing fully vaccinated visitors)
3.2. Proof of vaccination
- All participants would have to share relevant proof of full vaccination (document/health card, as relevant) as a soft copy at least 14 days before the program start date.
- NOTE: most countries require visitors to upload your vaccination proof to their relevant app ahead of travel. We will be sharing all details regarding this process to the program participants.
3.3. Insurance requirement
Many countries are mandating proof of adequate insurance which covers COVID-19 related expenses. We can provide detailed information and resources based on specific countries visited.
3.4. Requirement during travel
All individuals and groups listed under the scope of the policy are required to comply with following during the duration of the program:
- Always wear a mask during excursions, visits, transfers and sessions conducted during the program. Only when eating/drinking can the mask be removed in public.
- Always carry a hand sanitizer with you (although we will ensure a sanitizer is handy in all coaches, at the venues and with the local guides at all times.)
- Maintain social distancing protocols as instructed by the tour leader(s) and / or local guide(s) and authorities
- Allow local authorities, guides/driver, hotel/venue attendants etc. to perform a temperature check
- If a participant tests positive for COVID-19 during the program, they will have to follow the necessary quarantine/hospitalization requirements as mandated by local authorities. Hence, we require all participants to procure the relevant insurance policy ahead of the program so all such expenses can be covered. Our local team will provide full support to the participant, in case of any such eventuality.
3.5. Monitoring and Communication
Authentica team is dedicated to regular monitoring of the COVID-19 situation as well as carefully evaluating the safety of our program locations. We gather regular updates from all our local providers about:
- the vaccination status of communities in each location
- COVID-19 risk management related protocols and training provided to their team
- Specific travel requirements and restrictions related to COVID-19.
Regarding any questions or further concerns please contact: sayalee@authentica.com / +91 997 071 7759
- COVID-19 related advice: WHO
- International Travel during COVID-19: CDC
- Before you go: U.S. Department of State
For more information, reach out to us at team@authentica.com
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