covid-19 Mitigation practices
Updated Summer 2023
Ascent is Booking now
Our primary concern is always the well-being of our guides, guests and communities in which we recreate. Your understanding, flexibility, and compliance with these new protocols are sincerely appreciated.
CORONAVIRUS and COVID RISK
Climbers are accustomed to managing uncertainty and risk in the mountains. Not unlike rockfall and severe weather, community spread of the coronavirus and the COVID-19 illness it causes is yet another serious hazard we face.
The health consequences of contracting and inadvertently spreading COVID-19 can be severe, even deadly for some individuals. Learn more about the coronavirus and COVID-19 from the Centers for Disease Control [link].
COVID-19 Precautions
As of May 2023, the federal Public Health Emergency has expired, prompting the CDC and Connecticut Department of Public Health to lift nearly all COVID restrictions. Masks and social distancing are no longer required but the community spread of the coronavirus continues at low levels.
We’re not public health experts, which is why we’ll defer to the guidance as we understand it from CDC, State, and local health departments.
Pre-trip screening
1. Please postpone climbing with Ascent if you have reason to suspect exposure to COVID-19 within the 10 days leading up to your trip, or 7 days with a negative test administered after day 5 [CDC guidance].
2. Please postpone climbing with Ascent if you are experiencing any of the common symptoms of COVID-19, even if you suspect symptoms are not the result of coronavirus.
Common symptoms include:
+ Fever or chills
+ Cough
+ Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
+ Fatigue
+ Headache, muscle or body aches
+ New loss of taste or smell
+ Sore throat
+ Congestion or runny nose
+ Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
Vaccination Status
Ascent will not require proof of vaccination for outdoor programs at this time. We simply ask our guests to strictly adhere to CDC and local guidance consistent with their vaccination status.
no-penalty COVID cancellation
Ascent will reschedule without penalty if (a) you have reason to suspect close contact with persons confirmed to have COVID-19 in the 7 days leading up to your trip, or (b) if you are exhibiting any of the common symptoms of COVID-19 in the 48 hours leading up to your booking.
Our income and livelihoods depend on reliable bookings, please give as much notice as possible if you need to postpone your trip.
