COVID-19, MONKEYPOX, & THE GNI GATHERING

As long as there is community spread of COVID-19, the risk of infection cannot be completely eliminated. Any social media posts regarding COVID on GNI's social media pages will be declined.


In a nutshell:

  • All guests may attend regardless of vaccination status - proof of vaccination is no longer required

  • Testing is not required for any guest regardless of vaccination status with the exception of local government mandates (if any)

  • Pre-arrival self-tests within 12 - 24 hours of arrival and routine testing throughout the week are still highly recommended

  • All guests are responsible to BRING their own rapid-antigen self-tests for COVID-19. GNI will not supply them for free but may have them available for PURCHASE if you want to test

Monkeypox

  • Learn how to protect yourself from monkeypox at this year's Gathering with an informative brochure from the CDC. Click here.

  • Watch this informative video from the New York Department of Health

Monkey Pox Overview & Update


Click on the video image (above) and watch this video to learn more about monkeypox, how it's spread, recognize symptoms, and how you can protect yourself. If monkey pox vaccines are available from your local Health Department or regional Health Authority, consider getting one. Vaccines are in extreme short supply and are not readily available; thus, prevention is the best way to protect yourself.

NOTE: Although MonkeyPox was a big concern a couple of years ago by a number of members, there were ZERO (0) reported cases of MonkeyPox at The GNI Gathering in both 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Due to the nature of our event where men will live and recreate in close proximity to others over ten days, we have adopted an overall plan to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 to others. Please read our current, published position on the following requirements GNI requires for all registered guests, volunteers, and staff.

Guidelines:

  • GNI will continue to encourage and promote safety guidelines issued by the CDC including social distancing when possible, mask wearing, and regular washing of hands. It will be incumbent upon guests to decide for themselves how they will follow these guidelines.
  • All guests must assess their own personal risk involved by attending our event and by participating in any activity at GNI’s Gathering.
  • Hand sanitation stations are available on all buildings and sanitizer will be monitored and refilled as needed throughout the week.


What to do if you are feeling ill?

If any guest begins to feel ill, he will be asked to see our medical staff for evaluation. Depending on the chief complaint and symptoms, a guest may be asked to take a COVID test if COVID is suspected. During the time he is waiting for results, he will be asked to isolate from other guests. If any guest is starting to feel flu-like symptoms or notices a rash on any part of his body, he should be seen by our medical staff for evaluation for monkey pox.

If you are asked to isolate?

In the event a guest is feeling unwell where COVID is suspected and prior to receiving the results of a COVID test, he will be asked to isolate; GNI will try to make reasonable accommodations to find housing for him away from others. Meal service will be arranged for the guest in isolation and he will be required to remain out of contact with other guests nor will he be able to participate in any activity. If the COVID-19 test is negative, at the discretion of our medical staff, he may return to his cabin and participate in activities. If the COVID-19 test is positive, the guest will be asked to quarantine and continue to isolate from other guests. He will not be able to participate in any activity; meal service will be provided.

COVID & Monkey Pox-related Cancellations and Refunds?

In the event that a guest tests positive for COVID-19 or is exhibiting symptoms for monkeypox and is asked to isolate, he may, at his discretion, choose to cancel the unused portion of his Gathering and leave camp. Refunds will not be issued for either a full or partial refund request. GNI encourages every member to insure his travel investment with travel insurance that also covers COVID and monkey pox-related cancellations. Members may want to shop around for rates and coverages.

Return to The Gathering

 

CDC Recommended Safety Guidelines

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