Field Trip COVID-19 POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

The Society has developed policies and procedures for public program operations based on state and CDC guidelines. However, COVID-19 is an extremely contagious virus that spreads easily through person-to-person contact. Federal and state authorities recommend social distancing as a means to prevent the spread of the virus. COVID-19 can lead to severe illness, personal injury, permanent disability, and death. Participating in programs could increase the risk of contracting COVID-19. The Society in no way warrants that COVID-19 infection will not occur through participation in Society programs or accessing park facilities.

Please consider the safety, health, and well-being of all participants in our programs and stay home if the participant is ill. Full refunds will be given for cancellations due to health concerns.

Each field trip will have a required checkbox for registrants to acknowledge the following policies during registration. 

1. MNPS COVID-19 policies will follow current CDC guidelines to the best of our abilities. The CDC information will be updated on the MNPS website periodically, accompanied by the date of the most recent revision. Additionally, MNPS will provide links to appropriate CDC webpages.
2. All leaders and participants will perform a health self-check on the day of the field trip (see below for details). Participants will stay home if they do not pass, and attempt to notify the leader. If the leader does not pass, the trip will be canceled.
3. MNPS recommends that all leaders and participants observe social distancing of at least 3 feet during outdoor field trips.
4. MNPS recommends that each participant and trip leader bring a well-fitting face covering on all field trips, preferably an N95 or KN95 mask. The face covering must be worn properly including covering the nose and chin if not able to maintain. Unmasked individuals must maintain social distancing.
5. MNPS strongly recommends that leaders and participants be fully vaccinated and boosted unless an individual has a medical contraindication to vaccination.
   
6. Field trip leaders may choose to have more stringent policies, but not limited to, requiring proof of vaccination, a negative rapid test or a temperature check. If a trip leader has more stringent policies, they will be shown online as part of the trip description and during participant sign-up.
7. Field trip leaders may choose to set a maximum group size.