September 2021

COVID Vaccination Policy Update

As we continue along in our second year of navigating a world with COVID-19, the WBCCI Executive Committee remains vigilant to the ever-evolving situation out of concern for our members’ health and the feasibility of our events, rallies and caravans. 

Dear Member,

As we continue along in our second year of navigating a world with COVID-19, the WBCCI Executive Committee remains vigilant to the ever-evolving situation out of concern for our members’ health and the feasibility of our events, rallies and caravans. 

At the International Board of Trustees (IBT) meeting held during our July International Rally, the following motion was approved:

It is the policy of WBCCI that proof of COVID vaccination (or exemption from vaccination) may NOT be used as a prerequisite for attendance at ANY official WBCCI event. This includes all International, Region, Local Club, Intra-Club events and caravans.

The Airstream Club International urges all Regions, Clubs, and Intra-Clubs to follow their local COVID guidelines for any gatherings, rallies, or caravans.  

At our monthly meetings, the WBCCI Executive Committee continues to keep COVID-19 on the agenda for discussion and consideration of current and ongoing events along with member feedback. In doing so, we wanted to provide you with some follow up to the policy that was passed earlier this summer:

Q: Why was this policy adopted?

A: The policy was introduced and adopted to address questions and inconsistencies amongst WBCCI caravans, for the benefit of attendees and leaders.

Q: Does the policy apply to caravans only?

A: No, the policy applies to any official WBCCI event. This includes all International, Region, Local Club, Intra-Club events, rallies and caravans.

Q: Was the policy discussed as part of a public meeting?

A: Yes. Members submitted valid arguments for and against the policy at the International Board of Trustees (IBT) meeting on July 19, 2021, in Lebanon, TN. Consistent with WBCCI practice, the IBT meeting was open to any WBCCI member in addition to being streamed live over Zoom.

Q: Who approved the policy?

A: The policy was discussed and adopted at the International Board of Trustees (IBT) meeting on July 19, 2021, in Lebanon, TN. The IBT consists of all Region Presidents plus the WBCCI Executive Committee. Although the motion passed, it was not a unanimous decision.

 

Q: What does this mean for caravans that cross into Canada?

A: National and/or local policy always supersedes WBCCI policy. As of August 9, 2021, only fully vaccinated foreign nationals may be allowed to enter Canada for discretionary travel

(COVID-19: Travel, testing, quarantine and borders).

 

Q: What if I’m from a region or local club in an area that isn’t requiring vaccines or masks, but our travel destination(s) are requiring them?

A: Please plan to follow the most restrictive guidelines from destinations both en route and at your final destination to allow ease of travel and event participation.

For example: The XYZ Rally is being held at the county fairgrounds in Alphabet Town, USA. The county requires attendees of any gathering to be vaccinated. In this case, if a region or club holds the XYZ Rally, ALL attendees need to be vaccinated because the local rules supersede.

It is the ultimate goal of our club to help one another in seeking and finding travel adventures. In this age of pandemic, we aim to keep our members on the road, with safety taking priority.

So, we ask that members provide utmost regard for consideration of their own health and the well-being of other travelling members. When planning your travels, please remain willing and flexible to allow your activities and agendas to adhere with local or CDC guidelines wherever you are going.

Since no mitigating measure has completely eradicated this disease yet, any unfortunate diagnosis of COVID-19 during or immediately after attending a club event should be promptly reported to the event, rally or caravan leader, and attempts will be made to notify all those in attendance.

In recognition of learning more about COVID-19 and gaining precedent over time, the WBCCI Executive Committee will be re-visiting its policy regarding COVID-19 at the 2022 IBT Mid-Winter Meeting, January 20, time TBA. This meeting will be open for comments, and virtual attendance for those not registered will be made possible via Zoom. Be on the lookout for a follow-up email with remote login credentials and instructions on how to submit your comments in advance.

Stay safe and we look forward to seeing you down the road,

The WBCCI Executive Committee