We were delighted to learn that as of June 12, 2022 travelers no longer need a negative Covid test to re-enter the US.
At this time, restrictions are loosening in Italy and Europe in general where vaccinated people are learning to live with the virus. The mask mandate is being lifted in public spaces. Antigen tests are not required to enter or travel around Italy. If someone is infected with Covid the symptoms are usually more mild than the flu. Should that occur, Italy no longer requires quarantine, but only “responsible self-monitoring”. That means you can still go about your business, but wear a mask around other people.
With this in mind in this ever-changing environment, we have nevertheless instituted these regulations and protocols to mitigate against the remaining risks associated with the pandemic:
- All participants in our programs abroad are required to be fully vaccinated and boosted. Just testing negative for Covid before departure is not sufficient.
- Listen to your airline: they will alert you to any current requirements prior to your flight. Everyone must follow those specific regulations before boarding the plane.
- All Il Chiostro staff and venue personnel will be vaccinated and boosted
- Mask mandates are changing quickly: they are no longer required anywhere in Italy, but everyone should carry a mask with them at all times possibly to ride in vans, public transportation and to eat indoors
- We strongly encourage all participants to have adequate travel insurance before they leave home. We can recommend Travel Insured International (travelinsured.com). They offer a comprehensive package designed especially for travelers in these times.
- In these times, we recommend making your travel arrangements using a trusted travel agent. Should there need to be any last-minute changes or glitches, the agent can handle all details. Just call. If you don’t have your own trusted travel agent, here are two we can recommend:
- Teena Rodrigue trodrigue@dubetravel.com, 800-879-3823 or
- Gwynne Chafer, gwynne.chafer@travelleadersgo.com, 608-791-8362.
- They are familiar with Il Chiostro programs and can help you with flights, hotel reservations, extensions before or after your trip, transfers, and especially booking the right travel insurance to cover your trip.
FAQ:
What happens if I test positive the day before I leave for the trip?
This is where the right travel insurance will be essential. By that time, hours before the start of the workshop, Il Chiostro will not be able to reimburse any of the money paid. The proper insurance policy should covers this unexpected, last-minute change
What if I test positive in Italy before it is time to return home?
Here again, insurance will save you if you don’t feel well enough to get on the plane to return home. You might choose to extend your stay until you are feeling better. The right insurance policy should cover all of these costs. Make sure you read and understand your coverage. And, if you used a travel agent to book your trip, they will take care of re-booking flights and finding you hotel accommodations. With one phone call everything can be arranged. If you have minor or no symptoms, you should wear your mask at all times and maintain social distancing in airports and on your flight home.
What if someone in the group tests positive during our workshop?
If everyone follows the protocol, this is unlikely, but if it happens, we will first have them re-test (there are many false results). If necessary, we will help them isolate on site so as not to infect the others. We will immediately require masks for everyone for the remaining duration of the program. We will facilitate testing for everyone else in the group.
If someone tests positive and is symptomatic, we will help them seek medical help immediately. Health care in Italy is some of the best in the world, so you will be in good hands. Again, your insurance should cover this.
Travel is becoming ever easier with regards to Covid. It is probably here to stay. We just have to learn to cope with it.