Sanshin Zen Community aspires to maintain a safe and healthy practice community.  Below are several practices and recommendations to safeguard the health of our dharma community.  These precautions may limit, but do not eliminate, the risk of contracting an illness while practicing at Sanshin.  Individuals must determine for themselves whether or not they feel comfortable living and practicing in a community which is not closed or cloistered, and in which they will frequently come into contact with the public, including people who are traveling to Sanshin from out of town.

• We expect that people visiting Sanshin are vaccinated against COVID-19.  
• We act in accordance with Monroe County guidelines with regards to masking and physical distancing.  At this time, the COVID risk in Monroe County is considered low.
• We expect that anyone who has a communicable illness does not enter any building on the Sanshin campus.  Residents or guests who contract an illness are expected to quarantine themselves in private spaces until they are no longer at risk of infecting others.  
• Guests who are using the zendo as overnight accommodations are asked to identify back-up lodging options in case they contract an illness while staying at Sanshin and must isolate themselves.   
• Anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 is expected to heed CDC guidelines with regards to masking, quarantine, and other precautions.  Currently, for COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses, the CDC recommends isolating at home until a fever is no longer present and symptoms are improving. For the next five days, the recommendation is to go about normal activities with additional precautions, such as wearing a mask, distancing from others, and testing when you will be around others indoors.
• We expect anyone who has been exposed to COVID-19 to follow CDC guidelines about such exposure.    
• During the week prior to traveling to Sanshin, visitors may consider limiting time spent in large public places and gatherings as well as wearing a mask at airports and other crowded areas as you make your way toward Bloomington.
• Air travel itself is not considered exposure.  Protocols only kick in if one sits next to someone on a plane who then tests positive or becomes symptomatic oneself.  
• Sanshin may require masking or temporarily close following an outbreak of any illness that might put others at risk.     
• Anyone is welcome to wear a mask at Sanshin.  
• Anyone -- resident, staff member, commuter or visitor -- who prefers not to engage in communal activity due to concerns about public health is welcome not to do so.
• A small supply of masks and rapid COVID-19 tests are available at Sanshin.  
• Weekday practice, Sunday morning practice, sesshin and some retreats are accessible by Zoom.  Those who cannot practice in person are welcome to join us remotely.

There are many ways in which practitioners can be mindful of community health concerns.  Every effort to minimize the spread of illness is greatly appreciated.