A view into the Jamison Valley

Covid Policy

In order to reduce the risk of Covid-19 infection, a requirement for all writers is that they receive a negative result from a RAT on the day of their arrival at Varuna. Writers will need to present a photo of the test or the cartridge prior to arrival.

The following precautions recognise that Varuna is a ‘share house’ environment and has shared living and dining areas, a communal kitchen, and a convivial environment with your peers and Varuna staff. We take these precautions out of respect for others in the house, to not risk infection and protect the more vulnerable members of our community.

Our Board understands that vaccination is a personal choice and have reviewed the need for writers in residence to be fully vaccinated. In alignment with the current public health advice, Varuna no longer requires that writers be vaccinated in order to attend a residency. However, we do encourage good habits around preventative measures, and your vigilant and constant care with these measures is essential for everyone to be safe and have peace of mind when at Varuna.

Outlined below are health-related procedures that we ask writers to observe while staying at Varuna. If you can see anything in these procedures that could be improved, we would really welcome your feedback.

BEFORE ARRIVAL AT THE HOUSE

We ask that you cancel your residency if:

  • You receive a positive result on the required RAT taken the morning you are due to arrive at Varuna.

  • Any member of your household with whom you have had close contact has a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the last 7 days.

  • You are under instruction from a state health authority to comply with quarantine, stay-at-home rules or self-isolation rules.

UPON ARRIVAL AT VARUNA

• Please show Varuna staff your Covid-19 negative test result or email it prior to arrival.

DURING YOUR STAY AT VARUNA

If you do test positive for Covid-19 while in residence, please notify staff immediately. After discussing your case, we typically hold a Zoom meeting to communicate the plan with the other residents.

As a minimum, we ask residents to:

MONITOR YOUR HEALTH

  • Use proper cough and sneeze etiquette. Cover your mouth and nose with your arm to reduce the spread of germs. If you use a tissue, dispose of it after using it and wash your hands immediately.

  • Rigorously self-monitor your health. If you have a fever that exceeds 38 degrees, sore throat, develop a persistent cough, have difficulty breathing or feel obviously unwell, we ask that you notify staff. A thermometer with disposable covers is available and can be found on top of the first-aid cabinet in the pantry area.

  • Wear a mask in communal areas if you feel the need to.

  • Wash your hands regularly, and use proper kitchen and food hygiene.

  • If symptomatic of any illness, please mask up and take food to your room after cleaning the communal surfaces thoroughly.

VENTILATION

Wherever possible and subject to the weather, ventilate communal spaces during the day by opening windows.

VISITORS

Please do not invite visitors to the house during your stay, and inform a staff member if you intend to.

AFTER YOU LEAVE VARUNA

If you test positive for Covid-19 in the days immediately following your stay at Varuna, we ask that you notify us.

WE ARE ALL LEARNING!

We are committed to asking for ongoing feedback from you all and responding swiftly to this feedback. If you can see anything in these health procedures and precautions that could be improved, please let us know.