Updated September 10, 2026

Overview

Gamaliel is committed to the health, safety, and well-being of all who participate in our trainings and other in-person events. We recognize that Black, Brown, Indigenous, disabled, and immunocompromised community members are disproportionately impacted by the spread of infectious diseases, especially COVID-19. To build a stronger, more inclusive “we,” it is vital that we each take responsibility to make our shared spaces safer and more accessible for everyone—especially those at higher risk.

Below is an overview of our collective expectations and safety protocols. By participating and honoring these guidelines, you are helping to create a space where all attendees can feel safer, welcomed, and valued. Thank you for your care, commitment, and cooperation.

Minimum Expectations Pre-Event

Before you arrive at a Gamaliel gathering, you are strongly encouraged to take a COVID-19 test. If you test positive, please stay home and notify the event planners. Regardless of the result of the test, if you are experiencing any symptoms of illness, again, please stay home for your health and the safety of the group.

We strongly encourage you to wear a mask during travel to the event to protect yourself and others.

On-Site Testing and Masking Expectations

1) Testing – Gamaliel reserves the right to require all attendees to take a COVID-19 test upon arrival and, under certain circumstances, daily. (You will be notified in advance of the start date if a test will be required.) A test(s) will be provided to you upon check-in. If you test positive when you arrive, you and your delegation/organization will be responsible for finding you a hotel room for isolation (if you are assigned to share with a roommate) or to determine a way home for you.

2) Masking – Masks will be made available to all attendees should they wish to protect themselves and others in this way. In the event that a case of COVID-19 is detected at the gathering, the following masking guidelines will be followed:

• 1 case detected – Individual is isolated; no universal masking is needed unless high-risk individuals are present.
• 1-10 cases (up to 1%) – Attendees are highly encouraged to mask; ventilation and hygiene practices are increased.
• 10+ case (greater than 1%) – Universal masking is required for all attendees.
• If more than 5% of attendees test positive, then event staff will announce publicly regarding the status of COVID and opportunities to opt out.
• If 7.5% of attendees test positive, the event will be canceled.

On-Site COVID Positive Protocol

If You Test Positive or Have Symptoms
1) Initial Steps – Isolate in your room for at least 24 hours. You have two options for re-entry to the main space:

• PCR Option: Take a PCR test independently. If it’s negative and you remain asymptomatic, you may return to the main space with a mask after isolation.
• Rapid Test Option: Use our rapid tests at meal times during the 24-hour period. If you test negative three times, you may reenter the main space.

2) Travel Home – If you test positive, you are responsible for coordinating your return travel with your organization.

3) Notification – Inform anyone you had close contact within the days leading up to of your symptoms or positive test.

Your Responsibilities After Exposure
You are considered exposed if you spend extended time indoors or in a vehicle with someone who is contagious—even if they are not yet showing symptoms or testing positive. Below is a summary of your responsibilities once exposed:

1) Masking – Wear a high-quality, well-fitted mask indoors and in vehicles for 10 days following exposure. Masking is not required outdoors.

2) Testing

• Do not test immediately after exposure—COVID may not show up right away.
• If you remain asymptomatic, test five days after exposure.
• If you develop symptoms or test positive, begin isolation immediately.

Post-Event COVID Positive Protocol

If you test positive for COVID-19 within 14 days after the event:

• Notify the event organizers immediately. This allows us to inform others who may have been exposed, so they can take precautions (including testing).

 

If you have experienced any of these symptoms in the last 14 days, you may have COVID or another infectious disease and are encouraged to stay at home for your health and the safety of others. Symptoms include but are not limited to: fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea.