In the lead up to the retreat and especially the week before, we ask participants to practice COVID smart behaviours. These include:  

• Watch for symptoms: If you display any symptoms, have a PCR test or rapid antigen test (RAT). If you need advice or have questions, call the National Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080. 
• Maintain up to date vaccinations: We request you are double vaccinated and strongly encourage the booster shot and flu vaccine. 
• Testing: Before travelling to Byron Bay, please take a rapid antigen test. We encourage you to take a further test on the first day of the retreat and if you begin to display any symptoms. If you receive a positive rapid antigen or PCR test result, you must tell us as soon as possible. 
• Participants are responsible for assessing their own risk when deciding to take part, this includes if they are at high risk of developing COVID-19 complications. 
• Consider your COVID smart practices during your travel to the venue, this may include wearing a mask, limiting movement around the cabin (if flying) and avoiding crowded food outlets and lounges.  
• We will communicate any changes to government recommendations to ensure everyone follows current health advice.  

COVID-19 Positive Cases 

• If there is a positive case during the retreat, we will communicate this with you while maintaining the privacy of the person who tests positive.  

• Anyone testing positive during the retreat, or who is displaying symptoms, will not be able to attend.  

If someone is unwell 

• If someone becomes unwell during the retreat, we will isolate them, provide them with a mask and arrange suitable medical attention or transport home. 

• If you become unwell during the retreat, we encourage you to get tested for COVID-19 and follow advice regarding isolation. 

Ventilation 

• Fresh air is the most effective form of ventilation to minimise the risk of transmission.  

• All spaces within the venue will be well ventilated with doors and windows opened. 

• We will be using outdoor spaces throughout the retreat when weather and activities permit. 

Masks 

• You are supported to wear a mask if you choose to do so.  

• We will have a supply of masks for those who would like one.  

• You will be requested to follow any government requirements related to mask wearing at the time.  

Activities 

• COVID-19 smart practices will be considered in the planning of all activities, including meal breaks and learning opportunities.  

• The venue has several spaces where participants can spread out and these spaces will be used whenever possible.  

Physical Distancing 

• The retreat will have capacity restrictions to support physical distancing.  

• Participants are encouraged to maintain distancing throughout the retreat.  

• We request no shaking hands or physical greetings.  

• Each morning before participants arrive, and consistently throughout each day of the retreat, we will disinfect high-frequency touch points, such as bathrooms, tables and chairs, counters, grab and flush handles, door handles, and taps. 

• We will position a number of hand sanitiser dispensers around the venue and at entry and departure points, for participants to use. 

• As with CELA team members, we politely request that all participants uphold the highest possible hygiene standards – whether it be when sneezing or coughing, through regular hand washing or the frequent application of hand sanitiser. 

• We encourage you to monitor your personal health and, have a PCR test or rapid antigen test (RAT) if you feel unwell. 

• We request that if anyone is diagnosed COVID positive within 48 hours of the conclusion of the retreat, they advise us immediately.  

• We will notify close contacts if anyone at the retreat lets us know they have tested positive. We will provide advice from the NSW Health Authority to help participants understand and assess their risk. We will maintain privacy and confidentiality and will not disclose identifying details of anyone who tests positive during the course of these notifications. 

Unforeseen circumstances will be assessed to determine risks and ascertain whether it is possible to continue the retreat. If CELA is forced to postpone the event due to COVID restrictions, presenter illness or unforeseen events such as extreme weather, we will advise you of a new event date as soon as we are able to re-book.  

While we will do everything possible to ensure the retreat is continued as planned, we may be required to postpone the retreat in order to comply with any Government directions.  

If you are unable to attend the retreat because of illness, or a positive COVID test, we will offer a full refund, waiving our usual cancellation policy.