COVID Policy adopted by the Bodhi Board of Trustees
Guidelines Subject to Change with CDC and Public Health Updates

Bodhi Manda Zen Center
COVID-19 Public Health Policy
Updated July 5, 2022

The Bodhi Manda Zen Center (BMZC) reopened its campus in July 2021. The center is currently accepting students, overnight guests, retreats, and visitors in accordance with the following COVID-19 policies. BMZC’s COVID-19 policies are informed by the latest guidelines and best practices set forth by the CDC, state government, and our own Board of Directors. The health and safety of BMZC residents, guests, and our extended sangha remain paramount.

These guidelines may change rapidly and without notice to follow local and national public health updates.

GENERAL POLICIES

  • All BMZC staff, employees, and residents are vaccinated against COVID-19.
  • Face masks are optional on the premises for vaccinated Individuals. However, BMZC staff reserves the right to ask any individual to wear one.
  • BMZC staff may request a COVID-19 test from any potential guest prior to their visit..
  • BMZC staff may request a COVID-19 test from anyone on the BMZC campus.
  • Any individual showing signs of illness, fever, or other known COVID-19 symptoms should not visit the campus.
  • On-site staff reserve the right to request an individual to self-isolate if they show signs of illness or test positive for COVID-19.
  • Any individual who has had a recent exposure (within two weeks) to COVID-19, even if no symptoms are present, must present a negative COVID-19 test result prior to their visit.

GENERAL BEST PRACTICES

  • BMZC will include health and COVID-19 questionnaires as part of our application process.
  • BMZC will maintain food and lodging health precautions through New Mexico’s “NM Safe Certified” system.
  • BMZC will ask all residents and guests to practice proper hand and respiratory hygiene.
  • BMZC will provide adequate access to cleaning supplies, hand sanitizer, face masks, and other appropriate PPE to residents and guests.
  • BMZC will continue to follow state and CDC guidance.

OVERNIGHT GUESTS, VOLUNTEERS, RETREAT PARTICIPANTS AND NEW RESIDENTS

  • Any potential new residents or WWOOF volunteers must be vaccinated against COVID-19.
  • Overnight lodging guests and retreat participants must either be vaccinated against COVID-19 or present a negative test result within three days prior to their arrival.
  • Overnight lodging guests, new residents, volunteers, and retreat participants must not have any active signs of illness or have been in recent contact with an individual known to have COVID-19.

UNVACCINATED GUESTS

  • Unvaccinated guests must present a negative COVID-19 test result within three days prior to their arrival.
  • Unvaccinated guests must follow current CDC recommendations, and may be requested to wear a mask and social distance at the discretion of BMZC staff..
  • Unvaccinated guests may not be able to participate in certain activities, including chanting, meals, etc. at the discretion of BMZC staff.
  • Unvaccinated guests may be asked not to enter certain indoor common areas, such as the kitchen, zendo, and dining hall at the discretion of BMZC staff.

WORKSHOP/RETREAT VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS

  • The responsibility to inquire about or collect vaccination information from workshop/retreat participants will belong to the workshop coordinator. Coordinators will attest to proof of vaccination for the workshop attendees and provide that info to BMZC staff.
  • Workshop coordinators have the latitude to enforce more stringent vaccination/masking policies for their workshop based on the needs of their group. These policies will be honored by BMZC staff and residents.
  • Group coordinators must discuss and plan on-site and/or pre-travel COVID-19 testing requirements and logistics with BMZC staff prior to hosting.

OFF-CAMPUS ACTIVITIES

  • BMZC recommends that residents participating in off-campus activities continue to follow the best practices set forth by the CDC, including wearing face masks and social distancing when necessary. When leaving the campus, always bring a face mask and hand sanitizer.

IN CASE OF SYMPTOMS OF ILLNESS

  • BMZC staff should be informed immediately if an individual is experiencing any of the following symptoms:
    • Fever
    • Loss of Taste or Smell
    • Headache
    • GI Distress
    • Cough, Shortness of Breath
    • Muscle Pains
    • Sore Throat
    • Repeated shaking with chills
  • Individuals who are experiencing any of these symptoms will be asked to take a COVID-19 test and/or self-isolate.