Outward Bound is actively monitoring COVID-19 throughout our program areas, and the guidance issued from the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health authorities. The wellbeing, health and safety of our students and staff is a top priority, and Outward Bound Schools are working diligently with local public health authorities and medical advisors to maintain recommended mitigation controls and procedures in alignment with current data and science. The risk of contracting COVID-19 prior to or while participating in an Outward Bound program can be reduced but not eliminated. As with all aspects of your Outward Bound course, our staff will teach you what you need to know to be active in mitigating risks.
For all open enrollment courses beginning prior to April 15th, 2023, Outward Bound is requiring that all students be vaccinated against COVID-19 and up to date as defined by the CDC prior to arriving to their course start.
For all open enrollment courses beginning on or after April 15, 2023, HIOBS will no longer require students to be vaccinated against COVID-19. However, Outward Bound strongly recommends that all students be vaccinated against COVID-19 and up to date as defined by the CDC prior to arriving to their course start.
COVID-19 test kits are required for all HIOBS students. Students are required to bring two COVID-19 at-home test kits (four tests total) to their course. Kits are widely available at pharmacies and are covered by most health insurance policies for up to eight test kits per month. Students on semester-length courses will need to bring four test kits (eight tests total). Contact your health insurance company as they may have a reimbursement program for test kit purchases.
All participants should follow the CDC's best practices for limiting exposure to COVID-19 and protecting themselves and others for 10 days prior to the course start date.
We highly recommend the use of an N95 or KN95 (with NIOSH certification) during commercial travel or anywhere you will be in contact with the general public.
Please reference the CDC recommendations for Protecting Yourself When Using Transportation and Considerations for Travelers.
Please refer to What to Do If You Are Sick for more information on what the CDC recommends in case of having to leave course early due to COVID.