We are doing what we can in terms of creating additional precautions and procedures to mitigate Covid-19 infections. The risk of exposure to or contraction of COVID-19 cannot be eliminated despite best efforts at mitigation. By participating in commercially outfitted trips you must accept the risk of the fact that it is not reasonable to expect the outfitter to effectively eliminate the virus from the environment.
To make the trips as safe as possible, this summer we will be adjusting our style as noted below.
We will be implementing a guest-pre-trip screening process based on new standard operating procedures in place in a number of companies organizing adventure trips around the world. This will include body temperature checks and answering standard questions. Please understand that if you or a member of your travel group cannot meet the screening criteria, travel with us will not be possible.
Our trips are all group activities. We expect people to act with courtesy and respect towards each other. This year we are adding a Covid-19 Code of Conduct that defines expectations of physical distancing and other precautions that are essential for all participants to follow and agree to.
Our guides are trained in First Aid and for this season, they are getting additional training regarding possible Covid-19 situations. This includes protocols to mitigate Covid-19 infection, protocols for suspect of Covid-19, and protocols in case of confirmed Covid-19 infections.
We always operate small group trips. This year we will have a maximum of 8 people in a group trip. The difference is that all individual traveling groups will have their own apartments and solo travelers will also have their own apartments.
A big part of our trips is the culinary experience and that comes with sharing traditional dishes like 'peka' or 'soparnik'. In 2021 our food suppliers will continue to adjusting their operations and ensure we have plated meals for all the guests.
Additional precautions are implemented to further clean and disinfect all surfaces of various equipment we use. We have special protocols for our sea kayaking, SUP touring, and cycling activities.
On all activities, wash stations will be set up where appropriate. All guides will have hand sanitizers. We encourage you to bring your own hand sanitizer, too.
Bring your face mask, and we will supply a few extras on the trip in case you forget. We may require the use of masks in the van during transfers, on boats when arriving to the island, and in restaurants.
If you would like to see our full Covid-19 mitigation and operations plan see here.
We are not alone in our struggles and we appreciate everyone that has reached out to us during this period to support our work and the economies of local families that depend on us.
We have been operating Malik Adventures for 8 years and sharing the joy of meaningful, life-enriching adventure travel. Leading and living adventures have prepared us to cope with Covid-19. Skills and mindsets we developed to navigate difficult water, sea states, avalanches, and mountain terrains give us confidence and experience to work through such unprecedented times. Thank you for navigating it with us.
We look forward to paddling with you.
Marko
