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 Covid-19 Risk Management & FAQs

In addition to our industry-leading approach to safety and risk management, Global Glimpse has developed the following risk management response framework to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 on our 2023 summer travel programs.

Global Glimpse’s COVID-19 recommendations and policies are developed and consistently reviewed in partnership with our Medical Director, our in-country program partners, and in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control, the World Health Organization, and government officials. The entire Health & Safety Team at Global Glimpse is fully committed to monitoring the global situation and making changes as necessary to keep our students, staff, and community partners as safe as possible.

ENHANCED RISK MANAGEMENT

The safety of Global Glimpse participants is a top priority, and we have developed additional procedures to assess and minimize the risks associated with COVID-19.

Our practices address risk management in three critical phases:

#1. Minimize the risk of COVID before the program begins:

  • Establish clear criteria for program cancellation due to elevated COVID-19 outbreaks
  • Prohibit participants with COVID-19 symptoms, a positive COVID-19 test, or those who have been in close contact with someone experiencing COVID-19 like symptoms from participating in the program
  • Require proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours of trip departure. We will accept and strongly recommend a rapid Antigen test
  • Strongly encourage all students to be up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccination series prior to departure
#2. Reduce the risk of COVID-19 during the program:

  • Conduct regular participant health screenings
  • Conduct the majority of the program in outdoor settings
  • Strict adherence to health sanitation and hygiene practices
  • Physical distancing and use of face coverings when interacting with people outside of the travel group
#3. Respond diligently to any COVID-19 incidents:

  • Follow strict Personal Protection Equipment protocols during first aid and care
  • Isolate the COVID-positive participant from the rest of the group
  • Activate our COVID-19 Response Plan and secure testing following the directions of local health services and our global Health & Safety Team
 

For more details, please see the Additional COVID-19 Policies & Logistics FAQs below.

 

GENERAL TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS & PROTOCOLS

Global Glimpse will monitor and update country-specific travel requirements below and notify participants of major changes that could impact their travel plans or preparations.

To minimize the risk of exposure to COVID prior to the program, Global Glimpse encourages all participants to wear masks while en route to their program including when using public transportation, in airports, and on airplanes. Global Glimpse requires that participants wear masks on the trip when interacting with community partners in groups of 8+ or any immunocompromised or high-risk individual in close proximity when social distancing outside isn’t possible (Program Coordinators will advise the group when mask-wearing is required).

Participants are expected to take precautionary measures to avoid exposure to COVID-19 before and during travel. Global Glimpse Leaders and students are strongly encouraged to wear masks, practice social distancing, and regularly sanitize their hands throughout the duration of the flight and to and from the airport.

An up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination is strongly recommended, but not required for students and chaperones to travel on Global Glimpse programs. This means participants have received their primary series of the COVID-19 vaccination and are up to date with any eligible boosters. All Global Glimpse in-country staff are required to be up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccination series and provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test 24 hours prior to trip arrival.

Return Travel to the U.S.

Testing & Re-Entry

COVID-19 Testing No Longer Required for U.S. Entry as of June 12, 2022

Costa Rica Travel Requirements

Entry Requirements

  • No additional Covid-19 requirements at this time

Ecuador Travel Requirements

Entry Requirements

  • No additional Covid-19 requirements at this time

Dominican Republic Travel Requirements

Entry Requirements

  • All visitors must also fill out a Health Declaration “E-ticket” prior to traveling to the Dominican Republic. The Health Pass can be found at: https://eticket.migracion.gob.do/. For minor participants, this should be filled out by parents / legal guardian
  • No additional Covid-19 requirements at this time

 Additional COVID-19 Policies & Logistics FAQs

How does Global Glimpse design summer programs in response to COVID-19?

  • Global Glimpse works on all measures possible to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19. We have also developed a thorough response plan in the event of a positive case and will work tirelessly to minimize the spread and ensure access to health care if needed.
  • The Global Glimpse Health & Safety team has developed COVID-19 recommendations and policies in partnership with our Medical Director, in-country program partners, and in accordance with the CDC and our trusted global agency network. Due to the fluctuating COVID-19 situation, policies may be adapted in accordance with the most current safety standards and best practices and families will be notified of any updates.
    • Once on the trip, we’ll monitor participant and instructor health and well-being daily.
    • We’ll increase cleaning and sanitization of shared surfaces and spaces including vehicles, dining facilities, eating utensils/cookware, bathrooms, lodging facilities, and group equipment.
    • We’ll take advantage of our outdoor classrooms and open spaces when possible.
    • We’ll work with food providers to practice excellent hygiene including but not limited to wearing masks and gloves while preparing food.

What happens if I or someone else tests positive for COVID-19 while on a trip?

  • We have developed a comprehensive plan so that if any participant produced a positive COVID-19 test, whether or not they were exhibiting symptoms, we could activate our monitoring and quarantine response protocol. Any student with a positive test would be immediately isolated, a detailed record of their symptoms would begin to be recorded, and the Global Glimpse Medical Director would be notified. The student would be given their own room away from other students and a trained staff member would bring them all meals and attend to any needs they would have. If safe, they would also be offered the opportunity to get outside and spend time in nature recovering away from other students. We would be in close communication with families and our Global Glimpse Medical Director to determine the best course of treatment and clinical environment for each student.
  • COVID-19-positive students would be required to complete individual isolation according to best practices from health officials and the Global Glimpse Medical Director at the time of the program
  • In the event the symptoms become severe or require medical treatment, the participant would be taken to a vetted private hospital and/or clinic for treatment.
  • In the case that a participant is not able to return home with the group due to a positive test result, Global Glimpse would support the student to complete the duration of their isolation in a private room with the full support of a Global Glimpse staff member for the time required by local health guidelines. Costs associated with extended quarantine stay are eligible to be covered up to $285 per day up to 14 days through the travel insurance they are enrolled in through Global Glimpse. Any additional cost of extended stay would be passed on to participants, which is why we recommend and enroll all families in travel insurance that covers the costs of extended trip quarantine and medical care from COVID-19 exposure.

Should I consider traveling this summer if I have a pre-existing health condition?

According to the CDC, COVID-19 can result in a more significant illness in certain populations, especially those with underlying health conditions or who are immunocompromised. If you have a chronic medical condition, we require that you consult with your doctor about the risks associated with your participation and that you submit a supplemental health form with your doctor’s signature. Our medical team will work with such participants to ensure that they are matched to an appropriate experience. Some trips may not be appropriate for all participants.

What preventative measures will Global Glimpse follow?

  • All Global Glimpse staff and instructors will complete COVID-19 prevention and management training.
  • All participants will be required to submit proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours of trip departure (within 24 hours is highly encouraged). We strongly suggest that families obtain an Antigen test taken within 48 hours of departure and ideally 24 hours before travel to the airport. *If taking an at-home antigen test we ask that students write their name and date of the test on the test itself and submit a photo. If the test was administered by a lab, the family will submit the test results as proof.
  • The following practices will also be established to maximize the prevention of COVID-19 exposure:
    • Participants will have hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies available for use at all times
    • Partners and vendors will be informed of the necessary steps to meet additional cleanliness and hygiene expectations.
  • Participants with COVID-19 symptoms, positive COVID PCR test, or those with close contact with those experiencing COVID-19 like symptoms, will not be able to participate in the program.
  • We will ask all participants to practice physical distancing and use of face coverings during the 14 days prior to their trip departure

What if someone develops COVID-19-like symptoms on course?

  • By monitoring the health of all participants daily, we aim to catch any potential communicable disease quickly.
  • Once detected, we will take the following steps:
    • Immediately isolate the participant from the rest of the group
    • Activate our COVID Response Plan and initiate a plan to get the participant tested for COVID-19 following the directions of the local health services and our health & safety team
    • Maintain the isolation of the participant until test results are received
  • If positive, we will activate our monitoring and quarantine response protocol and we’ll follow the directions of the local health services and our Medical Director and continue to provide support for the participant and the group as needed. In the case of known exposure, families will be notified immediately and be kept up to date with any developments or changes.
  • If negative, the participant will be allowed to rejoin the group
    • Continue to closely monitor the rest of the group for symptoms
    • Ensure that all hygiene and cleaning protocols are being followed closely and that social distancing practices are being implemented as advised

What is Global Glimpse's COVID-19 vaccination policy?

An up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination is strongly recommended, but not required to travel on our programs. This means they have received their primary series of the COVID-19 vaccination and are up to date with any eligible boosters.

If I am vaccinated do I need to adhere to other COVID-19 protocols?

Participants who are vaccinated will still be required to comply with all COVID-19 risk management practices as directed by Global Glimpse Leaders and applicable program policies and protocols. This includes submitting a negative test prior to travel, mask use, hygiene, and physical distancing. 

What is Global Glimpse's COVID-19 refund policy?

If you test positive for COVID-19 before the trip and cannot travel, you are eligible to move to a trip later in the summer (if space permits), rollover to the following year (if eligible), or receive a refund of 50% of all money paid. You will need to submit proof of a positive COVID-19 test to GG staff.