Updated Procedures

Updated in-person policies for Quito, Ecuador

Living and Learning semester program in Quito, Ecuador is uniquely positioned to continue operating amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Our projected enrollment for Spring 2021 is between 10-20 students. With 7 staff members, the total program size is below 30 people at our all-program events, in accordance with Ecuadorian law regarding large group gatherings. Students are housed in 2-3 separate student apartments with less than 10 per apartment. This allows for gatherings such as chapel, trips, and events to remain under 30, and if necessary, limit gatherings to specific student apartments which would remain under 10. Small class size allows for minimal exposure. The 1:2 staff to student ratio ensures that students are very well cared for. 

Additionally, L&LI will be making the following adjustments to our normal operating procedures:

• During Orientation, students will have a specific session in regards to steps to prevent infection and spread. This session will specifically cover hand washing before and after each entry and exit of a new location, education on symptoms to be looking for, social distancing, etc.
• Paper towel dispensers have been placed in the Education Center and also in each apartment bathroom, including antibacterial stations at each entry/exit point.
• Students will bring a washable face mask for use in-country, particularly on public transportation. 
• Travel in-country and to Peru (e.g. buses, flights, trains, etc) will require students to wear face masks. 
• Current protocols in Ecuador require face masks in public. Depending on requirements from the Ecuadorian government, at a minimum, L&LI will recommend students wear face masks in public, in class, and at program events. 
• One bedroom in each apartment to be a designated quarantine room in the case of symptomatic students. 
• L&LI owns two contactless temperature guns, one for student activities and gatherings, and another for entry to the Education Center. L&LI staff will take temperatures and if students have a fever, they will be expected to return to the apt/quarantine room.
• Additional cleaning of both the Education Center and apartments will be instituted beginning Fall 2020. Common areas and high touch zones, like doorknobs, will be cleaned regularly. 

Students presenting symptoms or contracting COVID-19

• Students presenting symptoms will be asked to stay home and not attend events, including classes and internships. If a student tests positive, he/she will be expected to quarantine.
• In the event that multiple symptoms arise, specifically shortness of breath (procedures specified by the WHO/CDC/Health Departments of both the US and Ecuador), the student will be taken by a staff member to the clinic/hospital to be tested. A staff member (most likely the students’ Resident Coordinator) would provide care, as we always have, individually and intentionally until the student recovers. 
• All medical costs and expenses incurred, including emergency room visits and COVID testing, would be the responsibility of the student and his/her insurance. 
• It is possible that symptomatic or positive students would not be able to attend program trips, events, and excursions; students will be expected to remain in quarantine until symptoms subside.

In the event of a second spike

• If a second spike occurs, we would make decisions (ie: Spring 2020) to ensure student safety. 
• In the case of a smaller outbreak or hotspots around Ecuador, L&LI will quarantine our students in apartments, following the policies and procedures laid out by governing authorities for a specific period of time. 
• L&LI also asks for additional flight information for students during the orientation and onboarding process. We strongly encourage students to purchase round-trip airfare and trip insurance.
• L&LI has proven to be an adaptive program in crisis and specifically in regards to distance learning and will do so, if necessary, again.