Does Faith In Practice require volunteers to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to serve on a team?
Yes. Faith In Practice requires all volunteers to be fully vaccinated with their basic COVID-19 vaccination. Volunteers are required to submit proof of vaccination along with their application documents. If we do not receive a vaccination card the volunteer will not be approved to join the team.
Do I need to get a COVID test before I travel to Guatemala?
It is not required to show proof of a negative COVID test prior to traveling to Guatemala, however, Faith In Practice strongly recommends that volunteers get a COVID test prior to their departure to mitigate risk of traveling to Guatemala with COVID unknowingly.
I am returning to Guatemala for the first time since the pandemic, what will be different?
There will be protocols and measures in place to keep patients, volunteers, staff, and partners healthy and safe. You can expect a reduced number of patients, social distancing, and PPE requirements.
Is the Faith In Practice staff in-country who work with teams vaccinated?
Yes, all staff who work with teams are fully vaccinated.
Are Guatemalan Volunteers vaccinated?
Our Guatemalan volunteer leaders have received their COVID vaccination and many of them have received their boosters.
Any local Guatemalan volunteer who is serving on the mission team and is not fully vaccinated will be disclosed to the team and additional measure will be taken to keep everyone safe.
What PPE is provided for volunteers?
Faith In Practice provides all PPE that we require volunteers to use while serving in Guatemala. This includes masks, gowns, gloves, and face shields.
Do I have to wear a mask?
Yes, volunteers will be required to wear a mask in the hospital and clinics. Faith In Practice strongly recommends that volunteers also wear a mask on team transportation. The most up-to-date requirements on when/where a mask must be worn during the mission trip will be provided to you during your orientation in Guatemala.
Volunteers need to adhere to all state and federal regulations while travelling in the U.S., but we highly recommend travelling with a mask for the entire trip regardless of what is in place.
What if I experience COVID-19 symptoms or other illness in Guatemala?
All team members must report immediately to the team doctor to be assessed for their symptoms and to be tested for COVID, if necessary. COVID-19 testing will be provided through COVID test kits we have available in Guatemala. There will be COVID test kits in the STAT kit and our staff will have additional tests if needed.
If you test positive, you will be asked to isolate in your own room at the hotel. The volunteer will be monitored and provided medications for management of symptoms.
If symptoms were to worsen, the volunteer would be provided transportation and admissions support to a previously identified private hospital in Guatemala City where treatment for COVID will be available.
Can I shop or eat in restaurants in Antigua?
Teams serving in 2023 will be asked to take precautions during the week, avoiding crowded venues in Antigua during the week. The team will have the option to have dinner in Antigua on Friday evening.
The team will have the ability to enjoy a free day in Antigua on Friday if the following criteria are met.
- There are no major changes to COVID conditions in Antigua during your mission week.
- All volunteer service work is completed, and supplies are packed.
Up-to-date recommendations will be given to the team during their mission week to help them stay safe during their free time.
I may have been exposed to COVID but do not have symptoms. Can I still go to Guatemala?
We ask that volunteers withdraw from the trip if they have been exposed to a confirmed or suspected case of COVID within 5 days of the trip departure date, or if they have experienced COVID symptoms and have not received medical clearance. In these cases, the trip fee will be refunded if cancellation becomes necessary.
Faith In Practice strongly recommends that volunteers get a COVID test prior to their departure to mitigate risk of traveling to Guatemala with COVID unknowingly.
I know there are many protocols and measures in place but I’m still nervous, should I come?
There are many factors to consider, and we will be making every effort to keep volunteers, staff, and patients healthy, but we cannot guarantee anyone’s health or safety. If you decide you are not ready to serve in these conditions, we will be ready for you in the future when you feel more comfortable and ready to serve.