Suspected Respiratory Infection Policy

Our goal is for everyone on a Gustafson Photo Safari tour to have a safe, meaningful, and relaxing photography journey. Unfortunately, we cannot prevent you or your child from being exposed to or contracting an infection, which can interfere with travel, cause serious illness, lead to economic loss, and even result in death. Following standard CDC precautions for respiratory illness will help protect sick travelers, fellow participants, and staff. By signing the Participant Form and Waiver, you are agreeing to follow these guidelines.

If you develop symptoms of infection, such as fever, chills, new cough, runny nose, sinus congestion, shortness of breath, fatigue, or headache, we will implement the
following steps:

1. You will be required to wear a well-fitting mask for no fewer than 5 days. Your roommate must also wear a mask. The mask must be worn at all times in public, except when eating or drinking or when outdoors and maintaining 6-foot social distancing.

2. You must isolate immediately and then stay in isolation for at least 24 hours. Your roommate does not have to isolate unless they also have symptoms. However, if you are the adult caregiver for a minor, you do need to remain in isolation with the minor.  Your roommate will be encouraged to wear a mask when in the room with you. Other participants will also be encouraged to wear masks indoors as a precaution. The isolation period is for you to rest, obtain medical care, and to monitor symptoms. If the group is scheduled to travel to a new location during your isolation period, you may need to stay behind, with arrangements made for a later transfer.

3. The local guide can help with arrangements for you to see a medical professional at your request or if your symptoms worsen. Note that getting tested for viral illnesses, such as COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), or influenza, is not a requirement. Results of those tests, positive or negative, will not affect the isolation protocol, but can affect treatment. Treatment for influenza and COVID-19 is available only by prescription and may not be available in certain countries.

4. If you do become ill, you are responsible for any costs incurred for treatment or isolation, such as medical expenses, additional room charges, meals, transportation, etc. We strongly recommend you purchase trip cancellation and medical insurance.

5. You can rejoin the program after the mandatory 24-hour isolation when all four of these criteria are met:

• You have isolated for 24 hours.
• Your symptoms have resolved or improved to very mild
• Your tour leader agrees that you appear well enough to participate in full-day activities
• You wear a mask at all times for the next 5 days when out of your room.

This includes in all public settings, in all indoor activities, and during group transportation. Exceptions are when outdoors and maintaining 6-foot social
distancing and when actively eating and drinking at meals.