FOR FACULTY LED PROGRAMS (FLP)2020 & BEYOND

The following outline the different protocols that any study abroad group intending to stay with Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary should expect.

The protocols below are to be reviewed and updated as soon as new information regarding COVID-19 is made public, aiming to follow the latest regulations announced by international organizations (CDCs, WHO, etc.), by the Belize Ministry of Health (MOH), and the Belize Tourism Board (BTB)

PRE-ARRIVAL TO BELIZE & MONKEY BAY WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Before travelling to Belize, you should:

1 - Reserve your accommodations and tours with an approved Gold Standard Recognized Hotel or Tourist Accommodation (Monkey Bay Belize Study Abroad).
2 - Bring along a print copy of your confirmed hotel/accommodation reservation to Belize. (You will be asked for this reservation confirmation on arrival)
3 - Track and observe all protocols of airlines and airports in each originating city (port of embarkation), and at a minimum:

Wear your mask at all times throughout airports
Sanitize often
Maintain physical distance ( 6 feet apart)

4 - Take a PCR test (one that detects the presence of SARS-CoV2) within 96 hours of boarding the outbound flight to Belize or a Rapid Antigen, Sophia, SD Biosensor, ABBOT (Panbio) test results taken no more than 48 hours of arrival in Belize.

Bring along a print copy of your test results to present upon arrival at the Belize International Airport Welcome Center.
A negative test result will facilitate and “fast track” your arrival process.
A positive test result will require the guest to quarantine at your Accommodation for 14-days.
NOTE: Depending on your health screening results, you may be randomly selected for secondary testing at the airport.

5 - Frequently access updated pre-arrival information on:

Belize rules & regulations regarding international airport arrival procedures
The Tourism Safe Corridor, use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), social distancing, transportation & excursion services, shopping, dining, entertainment, etc.
For more details on this information start by accessing the Belize Travel Health & Safety website.

Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is committed to regularly send the latest information regarding COVID-19 in Belize. As such, you should:

1 - Read all document attachments received from us via email detailing Enhanced Health and Safety requirements, guidelines, and protocols
2- Ensure that you attend scheduled Pre-Departure Webinars, as requested by your University Study Abroad Representative or Faculty Leader.
3- Read and constantly update yourself on COVID-19 Country Information in your Study Abroad Program File. This information will be sent with your itinerary to the Study Abroad Coordinator and Faculty Leader a few weeks before the program begins.

ARRIVAL TO BELIZE / PHILIP GOLDSON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT & TRANSFER TO MBWS

Once you have disembarked the plane, you should:

1- Proceed to the area marked “Hospitality Meet and Greet”
2 - After, proceed to Health Screening and Testing Area
3 - Once there, verify your certified COVID-19 test results
4 - Should you not be able to provide test results, you will be referred over to a Testing Area where you will be swabbed at your own cost of USD $50.
5 - Thereafter, you will receive your test results at Monkey Bay Belize Study Abroad Campus via the Belize Ministry of Health
6 - Proceed to Immigration and Customs
Note: All arriving luggage will be sanitized. You should also expect to have your temperature taken and monitored at multiple arrival processing points. You will be observed and questioned for any signs of COVID-19 symptoms.
7 - Once you have cleared all arrival checkpoints, exit the airport terminal to Ground Transportation, located outside the terminal building by the curbside. Consistently ensure you are following all health and safety protocols.

There will be a Meet & Greet by Monkey Bay Program Driver and Guide, ready to welcome you. (They will also be observing distance and wearing a mask or visor as required at the time). They will assist in loading checked baggage unto the rear of the bus. Keep your face mask on! The bus will then depart the airport to the Monkey Bay Gold Standard Hosting Campus where accommodation, dining services, and field excursion services await. Expect an hour drive time with no unscheduled stops.

ARRIVAL AT MONKEY BAY WILDLIFE SANCTUARY CAMPUS

Once you arrive at Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary campus, you should expect to:

1 - Get off the bus at the Guest Arrival Checkpoint as instructed by your Program Guide.
Reminder: As you exit the bus, ensure that you are maintaining 6 feet of distance from other students (as space allows).
2 - Meet your Program Manager. At this stage, you will individually:

Have your body temperature taken by scan thermometer and recorded in arrival logbook.
Be asked to state your FULL name -- registration process.
Be asked to share any physical symptoms that you may be experiencing
Be observed for any COVID-19 symptoms

3 - While you are “Checking-In”, our M’Bay Program Bus Driver and Guide will unload guest luggage and place them on the arrival deck. All staff (Program Manager, Front Office, and Welcome Staff) involved in this process will wear masks and/or visors and adhere to physical spacing. No welcome hugs or handshakes!
4 - Be given a walking Group Orientation Session around Campus. This session will emphasize the different protocols and procedures put in place at Monkey Bay due to the COVID-19 virus.
5 - The Campus Orientation will emphasize the importance of proper and consistent use of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), being present and aware of surroundings, and following your Faculty Leader's example and guidance in order to protect yourself, others in the group, M’Bay staff and our Belizean community members from the risk of exposure to COVID.
NOTE: A Student or Leader with special needs may be accompanied by one person, following the above protocols.

FRONT OFFICE RECEPTION

What to expect when visiting our Front Office Reception:

1 - One person allowed entry at a time. Observe spacing markers outside Front Office while waiting your turn.
Note the clear vinyl partition to shield and minimize exposure when interacting with Front Office Staff.
2 - Use hand sanitizer readily available on the santizing station for guest access.
3 - While waiting for your turn, you are encouraged to maintain physical distance outside the entrance to the Front Office.
4 - You are encouraged to make credit card transactions.
5 - Front Office equipment and gift shop sale items handled by guests and staff will be disinfected between shifts. Mail and packages, and laundry will be handled wearing gloves.

LAUNDRY SERVICE PROTOCOLS

What to expect:

1 - A schedule of Guest Laundry Services to be posted outside the Front Office so that guests may reserve laundry services.
2 - Any laundry brought to the Front Office should be bagged and labeled with your full name. Once your laundry has been cleaned, dried and folded, it will be dropped off at the Dining Hall for you to pick up.
3 - Guests will receive a laundry bag and name tag from Front Office to gather and deliver clothing needing to be laundered, along with instructions on where to deliver the bagged and tagged laundry.
4 - Pre-payment for laundry service may be made via credit or debit card.
5 - Clean and folded laundry is returned to guests within 8 to 24 hours from laundry service requested.

GUEST USE OF COMMON AREAS (Classrooms, Meeting Rooms, Hammock Hangout)

What to expect:

1 - Maximum capacity for each area to be determined and adjusted according to the latest regulations regarding social distancing (currently 6’ apart).
2 - Signage/posters will display the maximum number of occupants allowed at a time. You can expect to see social distancing instructions and safety/health precautions posted in prominent high-visibility spots.
3 - Frequent checks for compliance with room capacity and social distancing to be made by Monkey Bay Staff and Faculty Leader(s).
4 - Food consumption in common areas to be limited to liquids in containers for personal use.
5 - Office hours of operation to be adhered to, currently set at 7:00 am opening and 5:00 pm closing.
6 - Daily cleaning schedule will include sanitizing of furniture and equipment, as well as any touch surfaces (benches, doorknobs, light switches, railings, etc.). Heavy traffic areas will be cleaned twice daily.
7 - Common areas and their furnishings (benches, chairs, door handles, table surfaces, hammocks, frequently touched surfaces, etc.) are cleaned and sanitized at least twice daily.
8 - Classrooms and Meeting rooms will be sanitized after every class and after every meeting. Classrooms and meeting rooms will be accessible only when meetings are scheduled. No individuals (staff, faculty, or students) will be allowed to use classrooms and meeting rooms at will.
9 - Common areas to be aired as much and as frequently as possible. Windows to be kept open as often as possible and left ajar when it is raining to facilitate fresh air exchange and stale air dilution.
10 - Standing floor rotating fans and wall-mounted rotating fans are installed and will be kept on and operational when rooms are in use to disperse and reduce stale air accumulation and to increase ventilation and fresh air circulation.

ENHANCED DINING ROOM FACILITIES & SERVICES

What to expect:

1 - All health regulations pertaining to food service activities will be adhered to strictly.
2 - Signage/posters will display the maximum number of Dining Room occupants allowed at a single time. Social distancing instructions, seating diagram instructions, and health/safety precautions to remain in high-visibility spots. Signage/posters to be changed/updated when regulations/instructions change.
3 - Kitchen and Dining Room staff to adhere strictly to health, attire, and PPE regulations regarding food handling and food serving for all meals, snacks and beverages served in the Dining Room.
4 - The kitchen and food preparation areas are marked as off-limits to everyone except on-duty Kitchen staff.
5 - Dining Room capacity & table distancing to be configured based on the latest dining-in restaurant regulations (currently 4 persons maximum per table, 12’ distance between tables). All excess tables and chairs to be removed from the dining room to enforce social distancing.
6 - Faculty Leaders will be encouraged to dine with Students. Staff and Guides will dine separately from Students and Faculty Leaders.
7 - Layout of the dining room to conform with aisle width & access to serving counter regulations.
8 - Hand sanitizer dispensers to be placed at prominent places in the dining room, near the serving counter, and on each dining table.
9 - Kitchen Staff to sanitize tables, chairs, and condiment accessories once meals services conclude. Condiment accessories to be removed from tables after each meal service.
10 - Dining room staff to serve each plate and hand it over to the guest being served. Self-service beverages and cups are provided with each meal.
11 - No group events, gatherings, or meetings will take place in the dining room when social distancing cannot be enforced.

ACCESS & USE OF CLASSROOMS & CONFERENCE ROOM DYNAMICS

What to expect:

Room seating to be arranged and restricted according to Ministry of

1 - Health specifications (currently 6’ apart in all directions).
2 - Extra chairs and tables to be removed or marked with adhesive tape, to ensure correct distancing is maintained.
3 - The use of facemask by Faculty Leaders and Students is required by law to be worn properly at all times.
4 - Daily cleaning schedule will include additional sanitizing of all contact surfaces (tables, chairs, handles, switches, instructor’s equipment, etc) between meetings and other room use sessions.
5 - High traffic areas (hallways, stairwells, railings) to be cleaned twice a day at minimum and as needed based on frequency of use and number of occupants.
6 - Breaks between classes to be increased to 15 minutes, to allow time as needed for airing, venting, and disinfecting by Housekeeping Staff. Windows to be kept ajar to allow increased fresh airflow with rotating fans turned on for increased air exchange and circulation.
7 - No-one will be allowed to remain in a classroom/conference room between meetings and gatherings or to use a room when not occupied for a scheduled group event.
8 - Signage/posters displaying the maximum number of occupants, social distancing instructions, and safety/health precautions to remain in high-visibility spots inside the classroom or on the Message Board next to each room main entrance door.

ACCESS & USE OF STUDENT DORMITORY & PRIVATE ROOM ACCOMMODATIONS

What to expect for Fall 2020 & beyond:

1 - Shared student accommodations will be limited to two students per bedroom, with a maximum of 7 students per dormitory room.
2 - A private house is reserved to accommodate, isolate, observe and care for any program participant who displays symptoms of illness.
3 - Unoccupied bedrooms and dorm rooms will be kept in reserve for the event that isolation or quarantine care for multiple program participants becomes necessary.
4 - Housekeeping to be increased to twice per week. Housekeeping schedules will be available on-line and at the Front Office.
5 - Housekeeping Staff to use appropriate attire and protection as required by health regulations (currently facemask or face shield and gloves).
6 - Cleaning to include sanitizing of furniture and frequently touched surfaces (light switches, door handles and knobs, etc.)
7 - Sanitizing/disinfecting materials to be available in every accommodation room for daily use by the program participants themselves.
8 - Paper towel rolls and trash bags are provided inside or outside all accommodation rooms.
9 - Signage/posters displaying social distancing instructions and health/safety precautions to be placed in full view on the Message Board mounted next to each accommodation room main entry door.
10 - Instructions on who to contact when COVID-19 symptoms are detected, or a student falls ill will be prominently displayed at the campus Common Use Areas.
11 - Accommodation room furnishings, appliances, and utensils (including tableware, rotating fans, bedside table with drawers, etc.) to be cleaned and disinfected twice per week and after occupants check out.
12 - Accommodation rooms will remain vacant and unoccupied for at least 24 hours before new program participant guests are allowed to check-in.

FIELD ACTIVITY PROTOCOLS

What to expect:

Classes held in Classrooms
1 - Faculty and students will be required to wear appropriate facemasks during class.
2 - When possible, handouts to be converted to digital form. Lectures and workshops that involve object handling will not be offered.

Field Excursions
1 - A pre-departure briefing to be hosted by the Program Facilitator/Program Guide to inform participants on excursion logistics; (1) where the group will be traveling to and from, (2) what to bring and what not to bring, (3) learning goals, (4) expectations during the field excursion, (5) specific risks that may be encountered, and (6) reminders to participants to work together as a cohesive and supportive team throughout the excursion time frame to heighten group awareness and safety and to reduce risks.
2 - If ground transportation is needed, all charter vehicle regulations will be adhered to (use of facemasks, screen separation of driver from passengers, windows ajar or wide open for fresh air circulation, maximum number of passengers limited to 65% of the ground vehicle capacity, etc.)
3 - Field excursion schedule and group size will be pre-planned and adhered to, based on maximum capacity regulations of sites and destination properties to be visited. Reservations for all group excursions will be requested, confirmed, and paid for in advance.
4 - Contact will be made with field excursion hosts in advance of each excursion to ensure they and their staff will adhere to the risk reduction practices and health and safety protocols required by law.

STUDENT PROGRAM TRAVEL

What to expect:

Transportation - Charter Bus, Charter Boat, & Water Taxi
1 - As per the current Ministry of Health regulations, masks must be worn by all bus passengers. This regulation is also a requirement for all charter buses, water taxis, and other means of public transportation.
2 - Sanitization of all buses will be planned and handled by the Program Guides, before and after the bus has been/will be used for a transfer. At minimum, the bus will be disinfected at least once per day, and a vehicle logbook entry will be made to document the cleaning and sanitation work accomplished.
3 - Study travel schedules and group sizes will be pre-planned and adhered to. This will be based on the maximum capacity regulations of each site and property, as outlined in the program itinerary. Group reservations, appointments, and payments will be made in advance whenever possible.
4 - Bus stopovers will be pre-arranged at regular intervals. Stopovers will be arranged only at a recognized Gold Standard property or approved tourist destination (or as required at the time).
5 - When traveling by water taxi or charter boat, students will be briefed in advance regarding social distancing regulations, seating arrangements, and health precaution requirements (currently boats operate at full capacity, and facemasks are required).

Off-Campus Hotel & Guesthouse Overnight Stays
1 - All hotel/guesthouse check-in processes will be made online to avoid or minimize crowding at the arrival Lobby/Check-in area.
2 - Room assignments will be made and organized primarily in double and single occupancy private rooms. No triple private rooms to be used. For occupancy of larger dormitory rooms, physical spacing of beds will be implemented, windows kept open or ajar, and the use of rotating fans kept on to increase air circulation and fresh air exchange.
3 - Hotel/Guesthouse Meals – as per the Gold Standard recognized hotel regulation & capacity of serving and seating area to be observed. For example, if the number of participants exceeds the breakfast area’s capacity, a breakfast schedule/bus departure time will be arranged accordingly in advance to allow for multiple staggered meal seatings

Site Visits
1 - Participants (Students & Faculty Leaders) will be briefed in advance about on-site regulations regarding the entry process, social distancing, and PPEs.
2 - Program Guide to provide advice on free time activities: Social distancing, facemasks, self-protection and hygiene rules everyone needs to follow.
3 - Boat and water taxi as per regulations with mandatory use of masks.

HEALTH-RELATED ISSUES

1 - Non-COVID health issues (with the exception of injuries), All illnesses (sore throats, fevers, aches, congestion, and random bodily symptoms) will be treated as if they are COVID-19 related, and handled with strict precaution.
2 - Monkey Bay Program Managers and Gold Standard Managers will remain up to date on:

Belize Ministry of Health’s latest instructions regarding suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases and relevant case management procedures.
Medical Clinic consultation and services, outpatient services, doctor services available nearby for cases suspected of COVID-19, and relevant costs

3 - Coordinate with the Ministry of Health & assign qualified staff to manage isolation-quarantine patient care, monitoring and reporting.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Activities to be evaluated for risk of exposure to COVID-19. Currently, groups are discouraged to participate in activities that involve:

Close contact with persons or personal items.
Extensive time spent with other people in enclosed built spaces with little or no fresh air exchange.
Closer than recommended proximity of participants, such as group dinners, dancing lessons, and participatory cooking class, etc.