In order to minimize our risks contracting and spreading Covid-19 while together on Chapters, we’ve defined a few protocols we’re asking all members to follow. We all see the importance of respect within our community, whether there’s a pandemic or not. But now more than ever, creating mutual trust and understanding how our individual actions affect the group are integral to the success of our Chapters.
Things like coworking from cafes, joining a gym, or going to see live music are all activities that we normally encourage when we’re traveling together. However, for all Chapters moving forward, we need to be more cautious about the safety and risks of the activities we’ve come to expect while on Chapter.
The hosts will always remain a resource to ask questions and gut check what feels right, but we also need a commitment from each person attending the Chapter to play their part. To help, we’ve created 4 key questions members should ask themselves before joining an activity. They’re meant to keep the local community, our own members, and you safer while being an easy guide for determining what behaviors are appropriate.
The activity test
The answers to each question below must be “yes” for it to pass as an activity that you can participate in while on Chapter. To take it one step further, after answering “yes”, we expect members to adhere to these rules while actually participating.
This is an important aspect of building trust between members and mutually agreeing on which activities are safe and which puts the group at risk.
The Activity Test
- Can I wear a mask?
- Can I socially distance myself at least 2m between other participants?
- Is it in an open, well-ventilated area?
- Will less than 50 people be in attendance?
Irrespective of an activity’s eligibility, Chapter Hosts reserve the right to ask a member to self isolate and/or take a PCR test if they reasonably believe the activity may jeopardize the health and safety of the broader group.
Consequences for unsafe behavior
If an activity doesn’t pass the test, but a member still chooses to participate there are three consequences to be aware of. Depending on the context of breaking the rules and severity, we also reserve the right to deny future Chapter bookings or remove a member from the community entirely.
In general, our process is:
Forbidden activities and behaviors
There are three forbidden activities and behaviors that apply to all members attending the Chapter.
Chapter COVID health procedures
There is a possibility a member will test positive for Covid-19 while on Chapter. Prior to confirming a positive test result, we will follow the below procedures as soon as any member becomes symptomatic or has had close contact with someone who has tested positive.
Most common COVID symptoms:
- Fever
- Dry cough
- Tiredness
Less common COVID symptoms:
- Aches and pains
- Sore throat
- Diarrhea
- Conjunctivitis
- Headache
- Loss of taste or smell
- A rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes
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Frequently asked questions
Are members required to take a PCR test to attend a Chapter?
Members are required to take a PCR test no more than 96 hours before the start of a Chapter and send their results to the Chapter Host via email before their arrival. There are no location requirements for where the test needs to be taken, whether in the Chapter country or in a member’s country of origin. We’re asking members to cover the full cost of this PCR test because it has become a standard requirement for international travel.
If a member arrives in the Chapter country more than 96 hours before the start of the Chapter, they must take another PCR test and receive negative results before entering the Chapter premises.
Members may not be allowed on the Chapter premises without negative PCR results to start the Chapter.
Where do our COVID Health Procedures come from?
Our COVID Health Procedures are based on the World Health Organization’s advice for the public that have been adapted to fit our Chapter needs. We will always follow all local protocols first and then rely on our internal procedures if the local guidelines do not specifically address an issue we’re experiencing.
What if a member receives a positive PCR test result immediately upon arrival?
If a member tests positive upon arrival, we will follow the above procedures. The person who is ill will immediately self-isolate and we’ll begin working through the local protocols and our internal guidelines.
What if a member exhibits COVID symptoms during the Chapter?
If a member either exhibits at least 2 COVID symptoms or receives a positive test result, we will first follow all local protocols and use our internal guidelines where necessary. If no local protocols exist, we’ll follow our above internal COVID Health Procedures.
Do members who test positive remain on the Chapter premises?
No. After exhibiting symptoms and self-isolating, a PCR test will likely be administered. If a positive test result is received, the ill member will be moved to separate accommodations to completely isolate them from the broader group.
Who searches and pays for the isolation and quarantine expenses?
It’s the ill member’s responsibility to research, secure, and cover all costs associated with their isolation and quarantine. After receiving a positive test result, the ill member must find and secure new accommodations outside of the Chapter premises for the safety of the group. The Chapter Host may aid in finding new accommodations but WiFi Tribe is not responsible for providing housing for the ill member’s quarantine.
The ill member must also cover the expenses related to transportation to the new accommodations, food, and any other quarantine related expenses unless otherwise specified by the local authorities.
However, if the ill member is in a shared room and we cannot provide a separate room for the healthy roommate, we will cover their accommodations for a maximum of 48hours. This allows us time to relocate the ill member and properly disinfect the shared room before the healthy roommate returns to the Chapter premises.
In the unlikely event that the majority of members on the Chapter test positive and agree to stay in the Chapter accommodations, all healthy members will be moved to new accommodations. Rather than the ill members paying for new accommodations for themselves, they will cover the costs associated with relocating the healthy members.
Who pays for the medical expenses?
All medical expenses, including but not limited to the PCR tests, medical visits, and transportation to external accommodations, are the sole responsibility of the ill member. We strongly encourage all Chapter participants to acquire health insurance that covers COVID expenses prior to attending any Chapter.
What if a member feels unsafe and decides to leave?
While we will take preventative measures to help make every member feel comfortable while on Chapter, all members have the right to leave the Chapter and accommodations at any time. However, we do not cover any relocation or repatriation costs or provide Chapter refunds.
What if a member refuses to follow the COVID Health Procedures?
Failing to comply with any of the COVID Health Procedures results in immediate expulsion from the Chapter. We also reserve the right to remove the member from the community entirely.
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