COVID-19: FAQs and Important Information for A Bar A Guests in 2021
June 5, 2021 UPDATE
Our COVID protocols are informed by local, state, and national guidelines, as well as the hospitality industry’s best practices models. They are adaptable and modifiable in real time as circumstances change. We are continually monitoring scientific progress, including CDC guidance. We will continue to keep you updated on changes at the Ranch.
Q: Is there anything new that we need to do before our arrival at A Bar A?
A: Yes! The Ranch currently requires that guests are vaccinated or provide a negative COVID test. Guests will also need to provide a signed waiver/release acknowledging our protocols.
Prior to your stay, we will email a link to our COVID Protocols and Waiver/Release to your primary reservation contact.
One to two weeks prior to your arrival, A Bar A will send an email update and call the primary reservation contact to share information about updates and specific details about what to expect while you are here.
Pre-Arrival Testing and Vaccination:
- If you have been fully vaccinated, you do NOT need to provide a negative COVID test prior to arrival (unless you have COVID symptoms during the week before your visit).
- If you have proof of recovery from COVID within the three months prior to your ranch stay, you do NOT need to provide a negative COVID test prior to arrival.
- Pre-arrival COVID tests (for those not vaccinated; age 3 and up) must be done within 3 days before your arrival at the ranch (i.e., if you arrive on Sunday the testing window begins Thursday). Tests must be FDA-authorized viral tests (PCR or antigen); rapid tests are acceptable. Please see below for a link to a preferred testing option if you choose to use a home test kit.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/BinaxNOW-COVID-19-Antigen-Self-Test-2-Tests/142089281
https://www.walgreens.com/store/c/binaxnow-covid-19-antigen-self-test-kit/ID=300414527-product
Q: Will guests be required to wear masks while at A Bar A?
A: Based on current conditions, masks are optional for guests and staff who have been vaccinated. Masks are recommended indoors for non-vaccinated people (for example, if children are indoors at the Gopher Hole for an extended amount of time).
Q: What is the Ranch doing related to sanitizing shared equipment and public spaces?
A: As recommended, our staff frequently sanitizes high-touch surfaces and shared equipment in workplaces, public spaces, staff housing, and guest accommodations. In addition, hand sanitizing stations are provided throughout public areas.
Q: Does A Bar A require guests to be vaccinated for COVID-19 before arrival?
A: No, but we strongly encourage it.
Q: Does A Bar A require staff to be vaccinated for COVID-19?
A: The majority of our staff are vaccinated (more than 95%). Those not vaccinated are tested weekly.
Q: Will guests and staff be screened for COVID while at the Ranch?
A: Self-screening for symptoms is expected. By participating in ranch activities and dining, you certify that you and your children are symptom-free.
Staff members self-check for symptoms before reporting for work, in addition to symptom screening upon arrival at work.
Q: What happens if I develop symptoms of COVID while at the Ranch?
A: You will be asked to take the following steps:
- Immediately isolate from others;
- Report your symptoms to Justin or Lissa Howe or another Ranch employee;
- Take a rapid COVID test (provided by the Ranch).
Q: What happens if I test positive for COVID while at the Ranch?
A: You and your family members who have been in close contact will be asked to re-locate off-site. The A Bar A will assist you with transition travel arrangements and you will be fully refunded for the time/days remaining in your A Bar A reservation.
Q: What happens if I am exposed to COVID while at the Ranch?
A: You will be informed if you are exposed to COVID at the Ranch. “Exposure” is defined by the CDC with specific criteria. If you have been vaccinated, you do not need to quarantine after exposure unless you develop symptoms. If you have not been vaccinated, you may be asked to quarantine according to public health guidelines.
Please contact us for any clarifications or additional questions and stay tuned for updates!
Clarkie.Duke@AbarAranch.com
307-327-5454
https://www.abararanch.com/covid/
COVID-19 Update
January 2021
The A Bar A is all about personal connections and taking care of our guests and staff like family. Our top priority remains preserving the A Bar A experience and ensuring health and safety of our guests and staff. We have worked through this past year to make plans that address the challenges of COVID, while also improving the Ranch experience as a whole.
Our protocols for responding to the COVID environment are adaptable to meet changing circumstances and are informed by CDC guidelines and hospitality best practices. They include facilities adjustments like outdoor dining expansion and indoor airflow improvements. We’ve also made program changes to reduce crowding and waiting in lines, and dining adjustments to eliminate breakfast and lunch self-service buffets. Our cleaning protocols have been enhanced, taking advantage of new tools and technologies.
As always, we are here to connect with you personally and meet your family’s needs. Our cancellation policy will remain flexible, and we encourage you to contact us any time with questions: office@abararanch.com or 307-327-5454.
While there are some aspects of the A Bar A experience that will be different in 2021, we are fortunate that our beautiful outdoor setting remains at the heart of Ranch activities. Our core mission remains the same: to create opportunities for people to make deep connections with themselves, with others, and with the land in an authentic western setting.
Thank you for your understanding and support during this challenging time; we look forward to welcoming you again soon on the banks of the North Platte River!
Yours from Wyoming,
Lissa and Justin Howe and the entire A Bar A team
