Aarhus: Covid - YMCA WORLD COUNCIL 2022

20^th YMCA World Council

Covid-19 Policy and Protocols

We are excited to welcome the world to Denmark in July for the 20^th YMCA World Council! As you prepare to travel, we want you to know that the safety and well-being of the YMCA delegation is our top priority. We want to emphasize our collective responsibility to care for one another so that we may all have a safe and enjoyable gathering in Aarhus. A successful World Council is one where everyone feels safe and comfortable.

Here we outline the measures being put into place to mitigate the spread of Covid-19. Throughout the World Council, the status of Covid-19 will be monitored, and if this protocol needs to be modified, it will be.

Vaccination

YMCA has made it a condition of entry to World Council that all participants must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Boosters are not required, but are strongly recommended for an extra layer of protection. If you have access to a booster, we recommend that you obtain it within 4-6 weeks of travel for maximum effectiveness. Be sure to upload your proof of vaccination in your registration account.

Accepted vaccines are Pfizer BioNTech (Comirnaty), Johnson & Johnson Janssen Pharmaceutical (COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen), Moderna (COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna), AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria, COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca) and Novavax (Nuvaxovid), Covishield, Covaxin, Sinovac and Sinopharm.

Testing

As of 1 May 2022, proof of a negative Covid-19 test is not required on entry into Denmark, nor is it required for entry into World Council. However, we recommend all attendees to take a rapid antigen test in their country of departure before traveling to Denmark.

Once in Denmark, World Council will provide no less than two rapid tests. As a Covid-19 risk mitigation measure, delegates will be asked to complete a self-test on the day of registration, and at the World Council mid-point (Wednesday, July 6^th).

Travel insurance

Please ensure that you have travel and health insurance, including cancellation in case of Covid-19. (All participants need to tick the Travel insurance box when registering.)

At the time of this update, the Danish Health Authority has removed all restrictions and mitigation measures related to Covid-19. However, as we are bringing together more than 1,000 individuals from 70+ countries, YMCA is implementing some measures to foster greater safety for all those participating at World Council. Please be aware these guidelines may change if conditions around Covid-19 evolve prior to World Council.

Masking

While not required, masking is encouraged, especially for indoor gatherings. For those who choose to mask, a well-fitting FFP2, KN95, DS, P2, N95 or equivalent will provide the best protection. Masks will not be provided by World Council, so you are encouraged to pack enough that will last throughout your time at the event.

Distancing

We do understand that everyone is at a different level of comfort regarding social distancing. World Council will put into effect the following physical/social distancing practices:

· The plenary spaces(s) will have capacity for social distancing at the discretion of individual delegates.

· Lunches will have ample indoor and outdoor space, allowing individuals to spread out or takeaway.

· While there is no official etiquette, we ask that everyone respects each other’s wishes when it comes to greetings, handshakes, hugging, etc.

Testing and self-isolation

Voluntary rapid testing will be required during World Council. YMCA has acquired no less than two rapid tests and will make them available to World Council attendees as previously described.

If delegates test Covid-positive or are experiencing symptoms, we ask that they comply with the following:

· self-isolate in hotel rooms, and do not attend any World Council events in-person.

· through the World Council App, inform the Conference Medical Team who will advise you on obtaining a PCR test, receiving meals and initiating other steps as required.

You will be sent instructions allowing you to continue World Council participation online.

Each participant is responsible for understanding and complying with the conditions of re-entry to his or her return destination and/or transit countries. As every airline and country’s Covid-19 travel policies are different, you are strongly encouraged to research and learn the latest guidelines on re-entry requirements (whether you test positive or not).

If you need a PCR-test for your re-entry, you should let the Conference Medical Team know and they will arrange access to a local testing centre. This opportunity is available Thursday, Friday and Saturday in the World Council week.

Quarantine in Denmark

While each country’s re-entry requirements vary, a delegate may find him-/herself needing to quarantine in Aarhus before being permitted to travel home. Required stays in a hostel or hotel will be the responsibility of individual delegates in consultation with their YMCA National Movement and/or health insurance provider.

World Council Covid Refund Policy

Prior to departure to Denmark

World Council registration fee refunds will be available to anyone who is not able to travel to Aarhus due to illness (with a valid medical certificate) or a positive Covid test. Refunds are not available for hotel costs booked after February 28th and any World Council related travel costs.

After arrival in Denmark

Being aware of the possibility of infection, once a delegate makes the choice participate in World Council, and subsequently becomes infected, then no registration, hotel or travel refunds will be issued. To mitigate this risk, it is recommended that delegates and/or National Movements secure appropriate travel/medical insurance.

Links to Health Resources Online

o Denmark Entry Requirements

o Denmark Public Health Authority

First Aid and Safety resources available

In addition to Covid-related measures outlined here, a Medical Team will be available to respond to delegate health needs throughout World Council. Based in the main conference venue (The Music House), access to this Team will be available in-person or through the World Council App.