Summer Institute 2026 COVID and Masking Policy 

With attention and commitment towards safer gathering, this policy for in-person attendance at Summer Institute (SI) is rooted in layers of protection to shield the most vulnerable and make gatherings as accessible as possible for all attendees. UUA advisors all agree that vaccines remain one of the most important and effective measures for reducing transmission and the long-term impact of COVID-19, as well as the range of other highly communicable diseases like the flu and measles. As ever, air quality and circulation are essential for lowering the risk of spread of every airborne infectious disease. Oberlin College and First Church of Oberlin have different levels of filtration in their various buildings. Conducting testing in advance and encouraging anyone with symptoms to opt out of group events is another critical tool to reduce risk of infection. Finally, making masking with well-fitting respirator masks (N95/KN95/KF94/elastomeric) both accessible and comfortable helps protect the most vulnerable.  

Given these shared understandings, the Central East Region’s policy for in-person attendance at Summer Institute is as follows: 

  • All attendees are required to have had a full course of COVID-19 vaccines (unless they have a verified medical exemption).
  • Attendees must take a rapid COVID test prior to traveling.
  • Masking is strongly encouraged but not required onsite, unless someone requests masking when in small indoor groups such as seminars and workshops. If someone is wearing a red lanyard in these spaces, everyone in that space must mask

Attendees who are showing symptoms of illness at any point prior or during SI should not participate in person and should instead participate online. Decisions about next steps will be made on a case-by-case basis.  

  • Attendees are encouraged and expected to test for COVID if symptoms emerge during the week at SI.  
  • While awaiting test results, and in the case of a positive test, attendees are required to isolate to prevent further exposure, and in rare cases where isolation is impossible to mask with a well-fitting respirator (N95/KN95/KF94/elastomeric) that covers both nose and mouth in all public spaces at all times if they are experiencing symptoms of illness.
  • SI will ensure that air filtration is provided in our most crowded spaces and encourage those who can bring air purifiers to do so, in order to help lower the risk in their personal spaces. 
  • Well-fitting masks and COVID tests will be available for attendees.
  • Attendees are encouraged to engage in regular handwashing and use of hand sanitizer to limit the spread of communicable bacteria, viruses, and disease.