Current Health & Safety Protocols for Onsite Volunteers 

Updated May 2024

General info

Throughout the pandemic, OPB has worked hard to keep its staff protected from COVID, and thus we've been able to maintain and improve our public service over the last several years. OPB's COVID response has been marked by strong health protocols and adaptation to the changing environment. We fully expect that our health and safety protocols will evolve more over the cold/flu season and we'll be sure to keep our volunteers informed.  Before we sign up volunteers for in-person projects, we will evaluate current conditions and review expert advice to determine what health and safety protocols are necessary for the upcoming project. 

• Please note that volunteers serving in some in-person roles are required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination and all volunteers are required to adhere to OPB health and safety protocols. 

• Health and safety protocols may vary depending on the location and nature of the assignment. The health and safety protocols listed below are for in-person group projects, like membership drives and data entry projects. 

• Different health and safety protocols may apply for volunteers serving in other in-person positions, including ongoing office support roles and offsite events.

Current protocols for data entry projects, membership drives, & thank a member events

• Masks 

  • Starting in May 2024, masks will be optional for group projects like data entry and membership drives.

  • Please note: While masks are optional at this time, it is possible that masks may be required for future projects depending on the status of COVID-19 and the cold/flu season.

  • We will have masks available if you'd like one.

• Illness 

  • Volunteers who test positive for COVID within 14 days of their shift are asked to NOT come in for their shift.

  • Volunteers who are ill with a cold/flu, or otherwise feel unwell, are asked NOT to come in for their shift, even if they test negative for COVID. 

  • Volunteers who have any cold/flu symptoms are asked NOT to come in for their shift, even if they test negative for COVID and even if they do not feel unwell. 

  • Volunteers who have had a known exposure to COVID-19 during the week prior to their shift are asked to NOT come in for their shift.

    1. • Volunteers who arrive to their shift sick and/or with cold/flu symptoms will be asked to leave. 

  • If a volunteer becomes ill within 72 hours (about 3 days) of having attended their shift, they are asked to contact Jenn Forristal.

• Group size 

  • We will limit the number of volunteers to six people per shift. 

• Questionnaire 

  • We will send out a health and safety questionnaire the day before your scheduled shift.