“Health & Happiness” PSA
Sanitation Policies at Four Quarters
Four Quarters wants to thank everyone who worked very hard to expand our Norovirus prevention protocols, and to prevent future outbreaks. Due to the hard work of Staff, Volunteers and Attendees, we are pleased to report the following:
* The infectious agent that caused the outbreak of GI illnesses in June was positively identified as Norovirus, a highly contagious social disease of the GI tract. No cases of Norovirus have been reported since late June 2017.
* Our Hilltop well has completed final permitting by the PA Department of Environmental Protection and supplies the camp with 4log chlorinated water, which passes all required testing. This is the same way contaminated city water is treated, tested and passed for consumption. Water samples have been and still are tested monthly. The water is safe to drink.
* Our kitchen is inspected and licensed for operation.
* Our septic system is inspected and passed.
* Four Quarters has instituted a “Health and Happiness” protocol: all persons entering the Land are given a printed booklet followed by a brief seminar focused on public health practices and are quizzed on the information conveyed before being allowed to register.
* Additional handwash stations are set up throughout camp near porta-potty stations. Attendees have demonstrated exceptional compliance with our Health and Happiness protocols; including reminding each other to “wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water.”
* Our very dedicated team of Staff and Volunteers has enhanced their schedule and equipment used to clean and sanitize all toilets, porta-potties, sinks, hard surfaces and other areas during events… a special thanks go out to them.
* Event attendees are encouraged to take and use free spray bottles of 10-1 bleach spray to keep their own sites clean and sanitized.
A formal protocol has been developed to treat individuals who develop GI symptoms, including quarantine and decontamination of their site, which prevents further spread of any viral GI illness. The PA Department of Epidemiology observed this protocol and agrees it is very effective.
We ask everyone to continue to be diligent with public health prevention measures, especially handwashing, as Norovirus outbreaks happen in closed social situations everywhere. According to the CDC, 685 Million people worldwide get it each year. We recommend you visit their website as they have a number of helpful resources: (https://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/index.html)
Last summer’s outbreak demonstrated what can be accomplished when Staff, Volunteers and Attendees work together to achieve community. We remind everyone to embrace the Five Agreements:
* I take responsibility for my choices, and I will make choices that support my community.
* I take responsibility for the choices of others, and I will actively help them make good choices.
* I will respect the Land. I will keep it clean and help others to do so, because The Land Is My Spiritual Home.
* I see and respect the work and risk taken on by the organizers on my behalf, and I will support them in every way possible.
* I am a part of the Four Quarters community, and it is only by my choices that I will preserve it.
Please reach out to us by phone with any questions you may have.
Carrie Krystek
President, Board of Directors
Four Quarters Interfaith Sanctuary
814-784-3080 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.