Outings Respiratory Illness Guideline (including COVID-19)
(Updated 03/27/2024)
The CDC recently updated the management of COVID-19 into a broader respiratory virus guidance as the threat from COVID-19 becomes more similar to that of other common respiratory viruses. Accordingly, we have updated our guidance as well. Traveling is a known risk for acquiring COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses such as flu or RSV. We cannot prevent every case of respiratory illnesses on an outing. We can, however, employ measures to minimize the risk. Our guideline closely follows the recent updated CDC guidance because it best minimizes the risk of respiratory illnesses spreading among the group. This policy will be reviewed if there is updated guidance from the CDC.
Is there a vaccine mandate?
No vaccination is required by the Sierra Club. We encourage all leaders and participants to be up to date with their vaccinations.
Are masks still required?
No masking is required by the Sierra Club unless you have symptoms of a respiratory illness. Participants should bring at least two well-fitted masks on their outing.
Is testing required?
No pre-trip or on-trip COVID-19 testing is required by the Sierra Club.
What safety protocols can I expect?
We have trip protocols to reinforce best practices such as practicing good handwashing; bringing additional hand sanitizer; exercising caution when serving food; avoiding sharing of water, food, and personal items.
What if I get sick before a trip?
We ask that anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 within 7 days of the trip start date cancel from the trip. Please contact your trip leader or Customer Care if you are unable to attend. We continue to strongly encourage participants to purchase trip insurance to guard against such occurrences.
What if I become ill on the trip or am exposed to an illness on the trip?
If you develop symptoms of a respiratory illness on the trip you will be expected to stay in your own room (at your expense) until your symptoms are improving and you feel well enough to resume your normal activities. You will be expected to wear a mask in public indoor spaces for 5 days from the time you feel well enough to resume participation. If at any point you become too ill to continue on the trip or the illness significantly impacts the planned itinerary, you may be removed from the trip. We encourage everyone to take personal precautions to protect their individual health.
If you become too ill to continue your trip or require additional accommodations for isolation, the Sierra Club is not responsible for any additional costs incurred.
If I get ill right before the trip and have to cancel; or if I have to leave the trip due to illness will my trip fees be refunded?
No. Getting COVID-19 or any other illness while traveling is a known risk factor. While we try to mitigate the risk of illness or injury on all trips, we cannot prevent all of them from occurring. Should you have to cancel because you get sick before the trip start date or during the trip, you are not entitled to a refund. We strongly encourage you to purchase travel insurance that will cover this eventuality.
If I decide to cancel from a trip because of concerns or fears, will my fees be waived?
No. If the trip has not been identified as one in which fees are waived, then current cancellation fees apply. Some travel insurance companies offer a cancel-for-any-reason policy although they are more costly.
If I have concerns about sharing a room with other participants, can I request a single room?
Most international and lodge-based trip prices are based on double occupancy. In some instances, participants may be able to request single accommodations; if this is the case, they will be asked to pay a single supplement fee. See our single supplements page for more information.
Who can I contact if I have questions?
You may call the Outings office at 415-977-5522. Once you sign up for an outing the trip leader will provide more detailed information about this guidance.