Covid-19 Policy

“We strive to make our public rituals and events accessible and safe.”

Principles of Unity, Reclaiming Witchcraft

WitchCamps around the world are an important connection within the Reclaiming community. They can help provide friendships, training, magic, healing work and inclusion. As one of several Reclaiming camps in Australia, EarthSong has been running for over 10 years and it is hoped that it will continue for many years to come.

In the last few years, COVID-19 has had a massive impact on society and how events are organised and the virus’s effects will continue to be felt for a long time. 2023 will be the first physical EarthSong WitchCamp since 2019 but it does not come without risk.

Camp organisers have been planning and working towards how to lower the risk of Covid-19 spread during camp using practical and health official recommended strategies. A 100% covid free camp cannot be guaranteed so please be aware of your health risks and how to work together with the community for the comfort and safety of all camp attendees.

When attending camp, it is asked that you follow Camp guidelines as well as working with government recommendations. These may change over time. Even if all restrictions are removed by September, the Camp will be following a CovidSafety action plan to minimise risk of illness for all staff, teachers, organisers, bower priestesses, caterers, crew and campers. The Camp venue also has its own plan as well as our lovely food caterers.

Please be aware that if you become ill with Covid-19 symptoms during camp, you will be asked to return home or to a place you can quarantine as soon as possible. We ask that all who register are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 as the virus could have severe effects on immunocompromised and disabled members of our community.

All teachers, organisers, venue staff and caterers will be fully vaccinated as per government requirements.

EarthSong Community, let us all work together as best we can to look after each other.

Responsibilities and Recommendations

So how can you support your health and others during Camp?

Before

  • Testing – Using a RAT test in the 24hrs before coming to camp 
  • Be fully vaccinated if possible
  • Avoid coming to Camp if symptomatic
  • Stay home if ill or required to isolate
  • Check state traveling rules (such as wearing masks) and have a backup plan if you become sick during Camp and need a place or time to quarantine. It is advised to not travel on a plane or public transport if you are ill/positive with Covid-19 
  • Bring personal supplies such as RAT kits for self-testing, hand sanitiser, masks or anything else that you feel will help support you. The Camp will also have these supplies for use but they may be limited
  • Have some Emergency contacts and a place to stay if you become ill and need to isolate

During

  • Maintain personal hygiene with regular hand washing, covering any sneezes or coughs and using hand sanitisers. You can wear a mask if you wish to do so
  • Give each other space, reduce contact greetings and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
  • Respect people’s boundaries and your own boundaries too
  • Avoid sharing items such as ritual masks, card decks or vessels
  • Individual Funk trunk items to be worn by one person and then placed in a hamper after use
  • Encourage time outdoors when gathering in groups, if the weather permits
  • Eat well, drink plenty of water and get plenty of sleep to support your immune system

After

  • If you become ill/positive with Covid-19 in the week you return home from Camp, please let the organisers know
  • If you can, give yourself some space/time between events or visiting others after Camp just in case

Information about covid-19

Covid-19 is the disease caused by the coronavirus, SARS-Cov-2. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause respiratory infections. These can range from the common cold to more serious diseases. 

Infection spreads from person to person, usually by close contact, spreading droplets from coughing and sneezing and by touching objects or surfaces that have been in contact with infected droplets and then by touching your mouth or eyes.

Covid-19 is a new disease, so there is limited natural immunity in our community. This means that it can spread quickly.