COVID-19 Policy

The Oregon Nordic Club – Portland Chapter is dedicated to keeping our members safe while participating in our club sponsored activities.  ONC-PDX continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation and will comply with all Federal, State and Local COVID-19 rules and regulations and travel restrictions. ONC-PDX will adhere to the most conservative guidelines that are in effect for a particular activity.

1. Applicability.  This policy applies to all ONC-PDX sponsored in-person activities.  Examples of club sponsored in-person activities include day tours, overnight trips, trail tending trips, bicycle rides, hikes, and monthly meetings (if held in-person).  This policy does not apply to the operation and maintenance of the Tilly Jane Guard Station and A-Frame.  The Tilly Jane Guard Station and A-Frame have developed their own COVID-19 policy in accordance with the special use permit issued by the U.S. Forest Service, as well as all Federal, State and Local COVID-19 rules and regulations.

2. Prior to the Event or Activity.  Each participant will perform a self-assessment that consists of reviewing the most current CDC guidelines on the symptoms of COVID-19.  Check to determine if you have any symptoms that match COVID -19 from within the last 10 days. If so, get tested.  If you test positive for COVID-19, you will not be allowed to participate. Consult CDC Guidelines for more information on returning to activities and masking guidelines after a positive COVID-19 test, and consult with the trip leader before going on a future trip. 

3. Vaccination.  Fully vaccinated and with a booster is our first line of defense. Consult the current CDC guidelines on vaccination recommendations. In order to participate in any in-person ONC-PDX sponsored event or activity, all participants must be vaccinated for COVID-19; this includes members and non-members. Trip leaders may require proof of vaccination.

4. Masks.  Masks will be worn in accordance with all Federal, State, or Local rules and recommendations.

• Participants will provide their own masks.  Participants are encouraged to have extra masks.
• When required, participants will wear masks properly covering their mouth and nose.  See CDC guidelines for proper mask fit. 

5. Additional COVID-19 recommendations.

• Disinfectant or wipes should be used for wiping down contaminated surfaces.
• Hand sanitizer should be carried and used if needed.  Touchpoints should be reduced if possible.

6. Evacuation. Evacuation plan for a person showing symptoms of COVID-19:

• The trip leader will assess the situation and determine a plan for evacuating a person showing symptoms of COVID-19.
•  If possible, the person will be escorted back to the trailhead.  Once at the trailhead, if the person is able to drive themselves either home or to a nearby medical facility, they will be allowed to depart from the group.  If the person rode with someone else or is unable to drive safely, emergency services will be contacted and the person will be taken by emergency services to a medical facility.  The trip leader will follow-up to determine the individual made it safely to their destination as well as notify the emergency point of contact for that person.
• If the person is unable to return to the trailhead, the trip leader will contact 911 and request an evacuation for that person.  While waiting for evacuation, the trip leader will provide care for the person showing symptoms of COVID-19 and ensure the safety of the rest of the group.  After evacuation, the trip leader will notify the emergency point of contact for that person.

7. Particpants.  Event or activity participant lists should be forwarded by the event or activity leader to the club Bookkeeper and kept for a minimum of 3 years.

8. Post Event.  Any participant exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms within 10 days after an ONC-PDX event will report it to the event or activity leader and the president of ONC-PDX.  In these cases, ONC-PDX will inform all participants on that event that they may have come in contact with an individual who has shown symptoms for COVID-19. The name of the symptomatic person will not be shared.

Updated and approved by the Board Mar, 14, 2023

Additional COVID-19 Resources and References:

CDC:  cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Oregon:  coronavirus.oregon.gov

Washington:  coronavirus.wa.gov

Idaho:  coronavirus.idaho.gov

Montana:  Montana Coronavirus Homepage

Wyoming:  Wyoming Coronavirus Homepage

Alberta, Canada:  COVID-19 info for Albertans

British Columbia, Canada:  COVID-19 Homepage