COVID-19 Considerations
Testing
Everyone who books onto the event is agreeing to complete a COVID-19 test beforehand, no more than 48hrs before your arrival, or provide proof of natural immunity. This is our best chance at making sure no one comes to the event with Coronavirus and could infect other attendees. For the vast majority of participants, this will be a negative lateral flow test, however we will also accept PCR tests if you are taking them for other reasons (e.g. if you have a confirmatory PCR following a false-positive later flow). It is recommended that you do not take a lateral flow test or PCR within 90 days of a postive PCR test. If this is the case for you, we will also accept proof of natural immunity, in the form of a positive PCR result within 90 days of your check-in to the event (but, for obvious reasons, not within your self-isolation window). Tests are available for free from the government website. You should be prepared to show evidence of your negative test / natural immunity at check-in, though if it is busy we may not ask you to see confirmation. If your lateral flow test is positive, you should follow the guidelines for your locality; this may involved getting a confirmatory PCR which, if you're lucky, may come back negative in time to still attend. If you are unable to attend, either because of a positive PCR or awaiting test results, you can apply for a refund.
Everyone is strongly recommended to do a lateral flow test on the Sunday morning, as set out by the Scouts. We will hopefully have lateral flow tests available on site for everyone, however we highly recommend you bring your own if we're unable to source enough. If anyone tests positive they must follow the government guidelines for a positive test, and those who shared accomodation with them must follow the government guidelines for being a close contact. They should also inform the Event Committee immediately.
During The Event
Although social distancing and mask wearing is no longer required by law, you should still exercise a level of caution, especially since people will have different levels of what they are comfortable with. Masks should be worn (unless exempt) in poorly ventilated areas, like the site toilet block and minibuses/coaches, and when queuing, like at mealtimes. Please do not assume the comfort level of others, and keep a sensible distance from members if you don't know whether they're comfortable with being close up yet. Little things like seeing if someone is leaving distance between themselves and the person in front in queues, and offering them the same courtesy, will be reassuring for these members. We will also have plenty of hand sanitiser available across the site, and you are encouraged to regularly wash your hands properly using running water too.
After The Event
Should you test positive for COVID-19 in the 7 days after the event you must let the Event Committee know as soon as possible. It is important that anyone who was potentially exposed to COVID-19 is informed so they can take appropriate action. Our hope is that with testing in advance, good hygeine practises during the event, and hopefully the majority of our attendees being at least partially vaccinated, that the risk of transmission is low.
Summary
Our hope is that with testing in advance, good hygeine practises during the event, and hopefully the majority of our attendees being at least partially vaccinated, that the risk of transmission is low. If you do still have any concerns about the measures we're taking, please get in contact with us and we will be happy to discuss your concerns further. Our aim is to have an event where everyone feels safe and comfortable, whilst trying to return to a sense of normality.
If you experience any issues in the booking process, please contact webmaster@ssago.org.