The COVID pandemic has slowed, but still reaches a peak every winter.
For our gathering, in order to protect those at risk for more severe COVID illness, we recommend:
Up-to-date vaccinations for all of us attending. This means a primary vaccination series and at least one additional dose in fall of ’24. For those of us over 65, the CDC also recommends a vaccine dose this spring. Vaccination for flu and RSV will provide further protection.
Consider whether you can avoid large groups or mask in public for a week or more before coming.
Test before leaving home (within 24-72 hours of arrival), and please isolate at home if your test is positive, even if you have no symptoms or your symptoms are mild. Your registration fees will be refunded if you’re unable to attend.
Consider rapid testing on arrival at Annual Session if your last test was more than 24 hours prior. While testing is optional, tests will be available when you arrive to register and at the NPYM office throughout our stay.
Masks are optional this year; however, consider masking in large groups if you are at risk for severe COVID illness, or if someone close to you is at risk. Masks will be available at the NPYM office. A person’s risk can higher be due to lack of adequate vaccination, age (under 4 or over 50, more so after age 65), an immune-compromising health condition or medication, or other chronic health conditions.
If you develop respiratory symptoms while at Annual Session, mask, test as soon as possible and if COVID positive, isolate for at least 5 days. Let our Health Coordinator know if you test positive for COVID. They will help arrange meal delivery to you if you’re staying on campus.
If you have respiratory symptoms but test negative for COVID, please mask to protect others from your illness. Symptoms could be due to a contagious illness such as flu, RSV or a viral cold.
If you know you’ve been closely exposed to someone with COVID or who developed COVID after your contact, test and continue to mask for at least 5 days.
If at risk, if your test is positive, consider contacting a prescribing health professional for an antiviral medication within the first 5 days of symptoms.
Practice good hand hygiene.
Maintain ventilation in meeting spaces when possible or meet outside.
Use outdoor eating facilities if possible and especially if masking or at risk. The new “Lodge” dining hall on campus has outdoor seating on the second floor.
Remember that these precautions will not only protect you, but will also protect those among us who are at risk for more severe illness. Please keep a high level of awareness of symptoms and test if you feel sick. Thank you for doing all you can to keep this gathering healthy and safe for all of us.
Urgent care centers in Missoula:
● Western MT Clinic Now Care at Southgate Mall on Brooks St. Ph: 406 721-0918
● Providence Urgent Care Grant Creek on Reserve St. Ph: 406 327-1750
● Community First Care Brooks St Ph: 406 493-3110
● CostCare South Russell St Ph:406 728- 5841
Emergency Rooms:
● Emergency or after hours: Call 911 for emergencies
● Community Medical Center Ph: 406 728-4100
● St Pat’s/Providence Medical Center Ph: 406 543-7271