TL;DR
1) Covid is still a threat and we are all responsible for protecting the most vulnerable among us.
2) Please do a lateral flow test (LFT) before coming to the gathering (yes, they’re annoying, so is getting covid)
3) If you feel ill during the gathering please take a test, we will have ones available. We will still look after you.
Last year we had several people leave the summer gathering with covid and take it to another event later the same week. This sucked for the people who were ill. It also sucked for other people attending the second event. We would very much prefer this did not to happen again.
The mainstream societal view is that covid is no longer a threat, this is unfortunately very much not the case. While catching covid might mean “just a cold” for you, this is very much not the case for everyone at the gathering. For those of us who are immunocompromised, have existing health conditions etc it can be far more severe, disabling and dangerous. It is also a much greater risk for those who have caring responsibilities for people more vulnerable.
Much like any threat, it is impossible to completely remove the risk. The good news is that the gathering is outside where the transmission rates are much lower. It is still not zero, especially in crowded areas like lunch/dinner queues, morning meeting & busy workshops.
The less-good news is that many people from across these islands and beyond will be travelling to the gathering. Covid, like all infectious diseases, clusters. By having many people from many different places we are at an increased risk that someone is exposed to a cluster of covid. There is also the risk of people catching covid while they are travelling.
There are several things we can do to reduce the likelihood of an outbreak at the gathering.
1) Do not come to the gathering if you are unwell — yes, even if it’s “just a small cold”. We know that it sucks to miss out, but this year will be the 32nd summer gathering. There will be one next year too.
2) Do a Lateral Flow Test (LFT) test before travelling to the gathering — yes, even if you feel better than you ever have before (we’re very happy for you if so). LFTs can test for covid even if you don’t have symptoms. If it’s positive please don’t come to the gathering until you test negative (see above). Tests are easily available in pharmacies and larger supermarkets. If you are unable to do a test before travelling, there will be tests freely available when you arrive. Yeah we now they’re unpleasant and annoying…they’re still important to do.
3) Do a test if you are ill during the gathering — yes even if it’s only a little bit ill. If at any point during the gathering you feel unwell, please do an LFT test. Don’t worry if it’s positive!! There is no shame in it and we will still look after you! You will be asked not to go to crowded areas but you will very much not be kicked out!
4) Masking — you are very welcome to wear a mask during the gathering, but we are not asking everyone to mask as a standard as there will normally be plenty of space and fresh air around us. If you are in a crowded and unventilated space such as a workshop, you might want to consider wearing a mask (which will be available for free at welcome desk). You may want to mask for other reasons — masks are cool and fun (unlike surveillance states!). Also consider wearing a mask while travelling to the gathering, especially if you have a long journey.
If you have any questions please contact earthfirst.uk@proton.me or ask at the welcome desk when you arrive.
Let’s keep each other healthy. Love and rage!