Health + Safety

It is with deep care and a shared responsibility for our collective, that we at NEFOC prioritize everyone’s well-being during the gathering. Here are some recommendations aimed at minimizing the spread of illness and protecting our collective health, so that we can all enjoy the gathering with peace in our minds and hearts.

Public Health Practices

Simple yet effective practices can help maintain a healthy environment:

  • Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly before meals, after using the restroom, and when in contact with groups.

  • Respiratory Etiquette: Cough or sneeze into your elbow away from others.

  • Stay hydrated: Take breaks in fresh air for your well-being.

Managing Symptoms & Attendance

Should you experience symptoms resembling a cold or flu, have been exposed to COVID-19, or received a positive COVID-19 test within 5 days before the conference, we kindly request that you remain at home. In the event of developing flu-like symptoms during the conference, we urge you to isolate yourself in your hotel room or accommodation and promptly inform the hotel reception.

Please note, refunds for cancellations are generally not available due to our commitments to the conference venue.

An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public space where people are present. We cannot guarantee that you will not be exposed to COVID-19 while at We the Land!, and all those participating at We the Land! do so at their own risk as to such exposure.

Before You Travel

Please minimize risk of exposure as much as possible for 3 days before traveling. Avoid spending time unmasked indoors in public places if possible, and mask in large outdoor crowds.

During Travel

We strongly recommend for you to: 

  • Wear a high quality mask (N95, KN95, KF94) on the airplane and in the airport and/or on other public transportation such as buses and trains and related stations, unless actively eating.

  • Wear a mask in shared vehicles and public spaces including ground transportation to and from airport

Air Handler System At Smith

As a result of the pandemic, Smith invested and installed a state of the art air handler system that is of higher quality than air filtration systems found at hospitals. We have requested that the air handler system be at the highest setting for the duration of our gathering.

While at We the Land!

Due to the recent Covid surge, we ask that all We the Land! participants wear a mask indoors if medically able.

Exclusions to this policy include : babies and children under 7, folks who are unable to wear masks due to medical reasons, musicians who are actively performing, and knowledge holders while actively facilitating their sessions.

Please note: Smith College currently doesn’t have an indoor mask policy. As we will be sharing the campus with students, faculty, and staff, there will inherently be folks on campus who won’t be wearing masks. An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public space where people are present. We cannot guarantee that you will not be exposed to COVID-19 while at We the Land!, and all those participating at We the Land! do so at their own risk as to such exposure.

In an effort to keep everyone safe, we will require participants of We the Land! to test upon arrival and registration on Friday and again daily on Saturday and Sunday mornings prior to the day of events. We the Land! will provide tests for all participants.  

If you test positive while at We the Land! we ask that you immediately isolate and email us at wetheland@nefoclandtrust.org with the subject URGENT to notify us of your positive test and if you’ll be needing wellness checks, and/or support with transport  to medical care or a testing site.