COVID POLICY
Following the relaxation of nationwide Covid-19 safety measures in 2022, it has been highlighted by many disability justice advocates and those working in public health that Covid-19 still presents a serious threat to public health, and especially to clinically vulnerable members of our society.
As a climate justice campaign group, UKYCC recognises that there can be no climate justice without disability justice. Therefore, we developed the following policy in early 2023 to ensure that clinically vulnerable people are safe to attend UKYCC events. To encourage best practice across the movement, we have made the policy publicly available.
This policy will be periodically reviewed and updated in line with changes in Covid prevalence, or if there are issues with adherence to this policy.
PUBLIC EVENTS ORGANISED BY UKYCC
The following applies to all public events organised by UKYCC:
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Attendees are encouraged to take a Covid test prior to attending the event.
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Face masks shall be worn by attendees at indoor events.
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These can be removed when attendees are eating or drinking.
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Face masks do not need to be worn by attendees who are medically exempt.
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Speakers at UKYCC events may remove their mask when presenting to an audience. If multiple speakers are presenting, e.g. at a panel discussion, efforts should be made to ensure social distancing of at least 1m between the speakers.
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Where possible, windows should be opened at indoor venues to ensure adequate ventilation.
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Attendees should not attend if any of the following apply:
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They are experiencing Covid symptoms (new persistent cough, fever, loss of taste and smell)
They are experiencing flu symptoms (fever, cough, headache and achy body) -
They have tested positive for Covid within the last 10 days
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They have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid within the last 7 days.
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Attendees shall be made aware of this policy prior to attending via an event page (e.g. on Eventbrite), via email, and in social media posts promoting the event.
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UKYCC will provide hand sanitiser and disposable face masks at events in the event that attendees do not bring their own masks.
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Where possible, UKYCC will facilitate live streaming and hybrid events to ensure that those who are unable to attend in person can still participate.
UKYCC TEAM WEEKENDS
The following applies to UKYCC team weekends:
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All attendees must take a Covid test prior to attending the team weekend. Tests should be taken the day before and on the day of travel to a team weekend.
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Face masks shall be worn during all indoor working sessions at the team weekend.
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Masks may be removed to eat and drink.
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Face masks do not need to be worn by attendees who are medically exempt
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Attendees may lower their mask to speak to enable people to lip-read.
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UKYCC members are encouraged to wear a mask while travelling on public transport to the team weekend
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UKYCC members should not attend team weekends if
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They are experiencing Covid symptoms
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They are experiencing flu symptoms
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They have tested positive for Covid within the last 10 days
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They have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid within the last 7 days.
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Where possible, windows should be opened in indoor working areas to ensure adequate ventilation.
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UKYCC will provide hand sanitiser and disposable face masks at team weekends in the event that UKYCC members do not bring a mask.
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At UKYCC Team Weekends, our members often share accommodation. Those sharing accommodation can be treated as a ‘bubble’ - face masks are not required within shared accommodation.
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
UKYCC members may undertake international travel to UN negotiations and other events. The following applies to attendance at COP, Intersessionals and other international events.
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UKYCC members must follow local laws and regulations relating to face masks and Covid tests. UKYCC members should ensure they are aware of any Covid-related legislation prior to travel.
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UKYCC members are encouraged to wear face masks when travelling, and to take a lateral flow test prior to travel, even where not required by the country they are visiting.
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UKYCC members sharing accommodation can be treated as a ‘bubble’ and are not required to wear masks within shared accommodation.
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UKYCC members are encouraged to wear face masks when representing UKYCC at events internationally.