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COVID-19 Policy

Health & Safety Policies for In-Person Participation

After careful consideration, we have implemented the following measures to promote the health and wellbeing of attendees who choose to Sleep Out in person:

1. Participants will be required to show proof of vaccination. 

2. Upon arrival, participants will be asked to to take a temperature and verify that they have not tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 14 days or been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Anyone experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms will be asked to stay home.

3. While outdoors, Sleepers will be asked to respect social distancing guidelines and/or wear a mask when interacting with other Sleepers or staff. 

4. In-person programming will be limited, as our front-line staff remain focused on preserving the health and safety of our youth and each other. At this time, youth currently living at Covenant House are not permitted to attend in-person fundraising events like Sleep Out. The voices of our youth remain integral to the spirit of Sleep Out, and their stories will be shared virtually (live, via recorded video, or written). Vaccinated adult alumni of Covenant House may be in attendance.

5. At this time, food will not be served or permitted indoors during the Sleep Out. Sleepers will receive snacks that they may take with them outside at the end of the night. Water, coffee, and tea will be provided overnight and in the morning and Sleepers may remove their masks when drinking.

7. If Sleepers are not able or willing to adhere to the policies outlined above for in-person participation, we invite you to join our virtual Sleep Out on April 29, 2022, or participate in another virtual event this summer. Contact our team for more details.


Your Safety is our Top Priority

These policies were determined in accordance with New York State and City regulations as well as federal and CDC guidelines. Covenant House leadership also considered feedback from essential staff at the front-lines of the pandemic and our Sleeper community.

As the situation evolves, so will our approach to keeping our community safe. We thank you for your patience and flexibility as we manage this, and your commitment to the fundamental purpose of Sleep Out: to provide every young person with a safe place to sleep.