Engadi Mission Trips

COVID-19 Health and Safety Practices

Updated as of August 12, 2021

We certainly hope some of the guidelines you read below will change by the time you come down, but we want to err on the side of caution until certain restrictions are lifted! We will continually update this page with the most accurate and current information regarding Covid protocols for Engadi Mission Trips. As the government and venue-specific guidelines change, we will be sure to present them to you as soon and as clearly as possible.

Due to Covid cases worldwide, we expect the following:

A negative Covid test is required for anyone traveling to Guatemala. Considering some folks have had Covid in the past few weeks or have been vaccinated, it is still a requirement in order to fly. We know this isn’t a sure fire way to safeguard that Covid will not become present later in the week, but it will certainly limit our risk exponentially to catch any possible cases before you come down.
As of January 10, 2022 the Guatemalan government is requiring all tourist coming into Guatemala must bring their Vaccination Card showing at least two shots. Engadi does not endorse nor reject the vaccine. This is a government mandate.
We would ask anyone that knows that they have a risk of exposing other team members to this virus to please let us know so we may continue to monitor their situation although they tested negative.
If the moment arises that you present symptoms, please alert your team leader and isolate immediately until further instructions are given. Don’t push through it or make believe that you’re ok.

Your week

So, what will the week look like?!

> Your time in Guatemala is certainly going to be different this year, but we know that we can provide the same unforgettable mission experience you’ve grown to love!

> Alongside sharing God’s love in a tangle way, our primary goal for your week in Zone 18 is to provide a safe, peaceful, and encouraging environment that you might not find elsewhere. So, we are currently preparing for your next visit while also monitoring the status of COVID-19 closely. The health and well-being of our Engadi partners and community will be of our utmost priority.

> Our ministry team is making plans and any potential adjustments in how your trip operates for this year. Our team will recommend actions that will best safeguard everyone touched by your visit.

> We recognize that there is a myriad of preferences and opinions on how to best safeguard our communities from Covid. Our goal is that we can create an environment where we demonstrate love for our neighbor – that we may set preferences aside if needed in order to gather, serve, and enjoy fellowship together in unity! Thank you for honoring these guidelines and helping us make your trip the safest and still the most fun!

During your trip we will…

Adhere to All Guidelines

Practice Social Distancing

Wash. Our. Hands.

Wear Masks In Zone 18, On the Vans, and While Out In Public.

Health & Safety Pratices

Read more about the Health & Safety Practices

We will adhere to current government and venue guidelines.
Although not required we encourage you to get vaccinated.
We must maintain social distance on the van ride, allowing for only a 50% capacity in each vehicle.
In Zone 18, we will respect the local guidelines by wearing masks while on the streets, and while entering and exiting the public school and the Engadi Center.
You may remove your mask once upstairs at the Engadi Center or while working, if we maintain proper distance.
Be aware that public areas in Guatemala require face coverings, even during your tourist day.
Everyone will be required to mask up, distance, and wash hands frequently.
- Masks will be required for all activities in Zone 18 if proper distancing isn’t possible.
- While we expect team members to bring hand sanitizer, we will also provide hand sanitizing supplies.
We will abide by all capacity and physical distancing guidelines for any indoor facility (large gatherings, activities, etc).

For Housing

Your team will be housed at the Engadi Team house where you may remove masks.
Please practice social distancing when hanging out.
Please ensure your hands are clean and disinfected before using the EcoFilters to fill your water bottle.

For Dining

We will eat meals outdoor at the team house, but will eat indoors in Zone 18.
Food will be served by pre-screened on-site Culinary staff members.

For Activities

Work projects will be done to the best of our ability. Be aware that COVID restrictions may make ministry or construction projects more challenging than usual.
Interaction with locals may be restrained due to fear or local guidelines. Be adaptable to the situation.
Regardless of your personal opinion or preferences we ask that you always remember, “How can I best love my neighbor?”

Before you leave

The US Federal government currently requires everyone flying into the USA from 2 years of age and up to present a printed Negative Nasal Antigen Covid test.
Due to the ever changing US government policies the required Covid test must be paid separately and is not included in the weekly trip expenses. It can be paid in Quetzales cash or with a Visa or Mastercard. Current cost is about $45.00.
This test will be administered at a local lab on the day before you fly home. Appointments will be arranged by Engadi’s staff.
If the US federal policy changes we will let you know and this will no longer be required.
If you test positive, please see “Scenarios to Consider” below.
Engadi staff can assist in coordinating future COVID tests as needed.

Our Responsibility

What you can expect from us...

We will adjust our traditional schedule as necessary to ensure the health and safety of our guests.
We will provide paper towels and necessary sanitizing supplies for shared spaces.
We will perform a self-screening on our staff each day before serving you.
We will go through training on Covid prevention and protocols.
We will be encouraging hand washing and distancing.
We will set the tone for creating a respectful and fun environment.
We will provide an on-site liaison to assist you in making arrangements should you need to visit a local health clinic, doctor, or testing site.
We will be transparent if our staff’s health changes or if they may have been exposed to Covid.

Your Responsibility

What we expect from you...

Each team member will complete a health pre-screening before flying down to Guatemala.
For the sake of all team members, we expect full transparency during the pre-screening process. We also expect transparency if anything changes during the week.
Each team member must provide a negative Covid Nasal test before boarding the plane. It can be either Antigen or PCR.
Mask or approved face coverings will be worn as indicated at all times when you are within 6 feet of others.
We ask that each team leader bring disposable masks for their group should they need any. (Our team will have limited masks available upon request).
Frequent washing of hands and hand sanitizing will be expected.
We ask that each participant bring a travel hand sanitizer.
Maintain social distance with others. If you are unable to do so, a mask is required.
Everyone coming will be expected to have acquired International Travel Medical Insurance.

Scenarios to Consider

What if a team member becomes symptomatic while in Guatemala or tests positive before their flight home?

> If a team member becomes symptomatic or is made aware they came in contact with someone infected, they will be offered comfortable facilities to quarantine while waiting for testing and/or they can fly home.
> If a team member tests positive before flying home and aren’t able to travel with their group we will do everything in our power to assist them in arranging proper isolation facilities.
It will be their responsibility to cover the cost of any additional lodging while they get better and are able to travel.
> We will assist in finding the best medical attention possible, and check in on them on a regular basis.
> If the positive team member is a minor, a parent or two adult leaders will be required to stay behind with them.
>We will assist in helping you set up and get tested as many times as you choose until you get a negative test which allows you to fly home. You’ll have to cover the cost of each test.

Engadi Mission Trips

Your week

> Your time in Guatemala is certainly going to be different this year, but we know that we can provide the same unforgettable mission experience you’ve grown to love!

> Our ministry team is making plans and any potential adjustments in how your trip operates for this year. Our team will recommend actions that will best safeguard everyone touched by your visit.

During your trip we will…

Health & Safety Pratices

We will adhere to current government and venue guidelines.

Although not required we encourage you to get vaccinated.

We must maintain social distance on the van ride, allowing for only a 50% capacity in each vehicle.

In Zone 18, we will respect the local guidelines by wearing masks while on the streets, and while entering and exiting the public school and the Engadi Center.

You may remove your mask once upstairs at the Engadi Center or while working, if we maintain proper distance.

Be aware that public areas in Guatemala require face coverings, even during your tourist day.

Everyone will be required to mask up, distance, and wash hands frequently.

Masks will be required for all activities in Zone 18 if proper distancing isn’t possible.

While we expect team members to bring hand sanitizer, we will also provide hand sanitizing supplies.

We will abide by all capacity and physical distancing guidelines for any indoor facility (large gatherings, activities, etc).

For Housing

For Dining

For Activities

Before you leave

Our Responsibility

We will adjust our traditional schedule as necessary to ensure the health and safety of our guests.

We will provide paper towels and necessary sanitizing supplies for shared spaces.

We will perform a self-screening on our staff each day before serving you.

We will go through training on Covid prevention and protocols.

We will be encouraging hand washing and distancing.

We will set the tone for creating a respectful and fun environment.

We will provide an on-site liaison to assist you in making arrangements should you need to visit a local health clinic, doctor, or testing site.

We will be transparent if our staff’s health changes or if they may have been exposed to Covid.

Your Responsibility

Each team member will complete a health pre-screening before flying down to Guatemala.

For the sake of all team members, we expect full transparency during the pre-screening process. We also expect transparency if anything changes during the week.

Each team member must provide a negative Covid Nasal test before boarding the plane. It can be either Antigen or PCR.

Mask or approved face coverings will be worn as indicated at all times when you are within 6 feet of others.

We ask that each team leader bring disposable masks for their group should they need any. (Our team will have limited masks available upon request).

Frequent washing of hands and hand sanitizing will be expected.

We ask that each participant bring a travel hand sanitizer.

Maintain social distance with others. If you are unable to do so, a mask is required.

Everyone coming will be expected to have acquired International Travel Medical Insurance.

Scenarios to Consider

Get Involved

Engadi Ministries International

PO Box 7801

Athens, GA 30604