Spring 2022 COVID UPDATE

Hello, and Welcome to the Summit 2022 season!  
We’re very excited for the upcoming spring/summer, which is stacked with a stellar team of  hardworking, skilled, fun people, amazing food, and at least a few trees. If you’re new to Summit,  Welcome! If you’re returning, Welcome back! Like last year, I’ll be travelling around to visit our camps  consistently throughout the season if you ever need to chat, but please don’t hesitate to get in touch  beforehand if there’s something you’d like to discuss. 
This season is shaping up to look like a blended version of Pre-Covid19 and Mid-Covid19  seasons, and the below information should help you to understand and prepare for what that looks  like. Though restrictions in many areas are lifting or changing, there are still some industry specific  standards that we must meet, and some company specific protocols that have been established to help  prevent the spread of any communicable diseases; so that we can all stay happy, healthy, and making  money. The season will start with all camps following these protocols, and as restrictions continue to  change, we will adapt to them as permitted.  
1. An antigen test will be self-administered by each employee upon arrival, to ensure that  Covid19 is not being brought into our camps from outside regions. If your antigen test is  positive, you’ll follow the isolation period required of you as is set by the Health Region you  took the test in. It is highly recommended that you take an antigen test prior to leaving  your home for the season, so that if any isolation is needed, you can do so in your own  home, with the comforts and entertainment you are used to.  
a. Though there will be antigen tests for initial screenings provided by Summit while  at camp, it is possible that other circumstances arise (such as close contact with a  positive case, or symptomatic illness) that will require further testing throughout  the season. To prevent any delays in acquiring tests mid-season, it is requested  that if you can grab your own antigen tests provided by in your health region, that  you do so and bring them with you.  
2. To limit any lost work or isolation time in camp (boring!), we recommend that you wear  masks in trucks, and require that you wear a mask and gloves while in close-quarters line ups like when packing lunch. Over the course of the season, this will be continuously  reviewed, and altered as seen fit. In the meantime, this helps us to prevent a return to the  pod system, and allows you to… 
3. Visit Towns! We’re no longer required to keep out camps completely isolated, and this  means that you’ll be free to get to know the cool local spots we work within. Company  trucks will be available to bring people to town every other day off, so you can check out  thrift stores, laundromats, and the many beautiful parks around our Provinces. 
a. Please remember that these towns are peoples’ homes, and that your conduct in  public must be respectful and mindful of the requests made by local populations.  b. Please avoid visiting crowded, high transmission risk locations like night clubs and  other close-quarters businesses.  
4. Be prepared for restrictions to continue to lift – but also consider the possibility that some  may return, if deemed necessary by Health Authorities. Bring enough masks to wear a  clean one daily in trucks, in food lines, and if required, we return to pod systems. Bring a  large, mesh, drawstring laundry bag labeled with your full name, in case we are required to  return to isolation, and must arrange laundry services again.  
5. Lastly, be respectful all season. This means being respectful and kind in discussions about  polarizing topics, being understanding when someone is required to enforce a restriction  or regulation, and keeping community in mind in camp, town, and our industry. 
Make sure to continue to follow the pre-season training plan found on our website.  (https://www.summitplanting.com/plantingfitness.html ). Having activities and exercises that you  love for your endurance and cardio training is great; but paying extra care to these particular exercises  is important; these have been found to reduce injuries by up to 70%. All planters, new or experienced,  will need to follow the taping measures outlined on the website for three weeks. We will have tape  available, however if you have sensitivity to some athletic tape, sourcing and bringing your own sports  tape is recommended. We will have some supplies for sensitive skin, but these are limited. Unfortunately, reimbursements for tape brought from home can not be offered.  
And, as you prepare for your season by doing your preseason training and packing up your  world for tent life, don’t forget to consider the things that help make camp feel like home. Bring books,  art supplies, costumes, frisbees. Download movies, audiobooks and playlists. Think about ideas you’d  like to contribute to social committee, the goals you’ve set for yourself, the amazing friendships you’ll  make this year.  
See you Soon! 


Slaine Sutherland 
Human Resources and Safety, Summit Reforestation. 
250.551.4901 
slaine@summitreforestation.com 

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