Community Health

As we are all aware, the United States is currently experiencing various epidemics: Covid, MonkeyPox, Meningitis and increased STI’s. It is each participant’s responsibility to do what they can to minimize and mitigate the risk of these epidemics for themselves and the community. Vaccinations and Boosters against Covid are required for all participants.  In addition, please follow the following guidelines to the extent possible:

• COVID: Covid cases have declined since 2022 but new variants are still occurring. If you test positive for Covid within 5 days of the Event, please notify the PNWLC Committee and do not attend the PNWLC Campout Event unless you have a negative test result at least 24 hours before the event starts, which you will need to provide upon arrival at the event. In such case where you are still testing positive for Covid, PNWLC will fully refund your registration fee.

• MonkeyPox: MonkeyPox has declined since peaking in August 2022, but the outbreak is not over. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to receive reports of cases that reflect ongoing community transmission in the United States and internationally.

   

  Please make every effort to get vaccinated with at least the first shot for MonkeyPox before the PNWLC Campout Event.  If you notice symptoms of MonkeyPox or have been diagnosed with MonkeyPox prior to the event, please do not attend the event.  If you notify the PNWLC Committee before the event why you are unable to attend, PNWLC will fully refund your registration fee.

• STI’s: Please make every effort to test for STI’s at least a week prior to the event and obtain treatment for any STI’s identified. If you have an active untreated STI at the time of the event, please do not attend the event and notify the PNWLC Committee and your registration fee will be refunded. Look into Doxey-PEP to help with reducing exposure to STI’s or PrEP for HIV.

• Meningitis: PNWLC also recommends that you be vaccinated against meningitis, which has recently been identified in certain MSM communities outside of Oregon. Vaccination shots are usually available at your local pharmacy (call ahead to make sure they have some available) or health care provider.