Bellarmine's Guidelines For Health & Safety
Here’s what we are doing to ensure the safety of all guests and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Updated COVID-19 Guidelines
As of January 3, 2022, Cook County has implemented additional public health COVID-19 mitigation efforts. Bellarmine is located in Cook County so we are complying with the new requirements which require indoor establishments providing food and drink to have all adults provide proof of vaccination. You can read more about their new order at the link below:
https://cookcountypublichealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/CCDPH-COVID-Order-2021-11_122321.pdf
Therefore, please bring proof of vaccination and a photo ID to the retreat so that we can confirm your vaccination status upon check-in. A booster shot is not required at this time.
Fully vaccinated is defined as having received two shots of the vaccine in a 2-dose series (Pfizer or Moderna) and the last shot was at least 2 weeks ago; or one shot of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, and the shot was at least 2 weeks ago.
Proof of vaccination can take one of a few forms:
A CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Card; or
An official immunization record from the jurisdiction, state, or country where the vaccine was administered; or
An ‘app’ that provides a digital record of vaccinations; or
A digital or physical photo of such a card or record that includes the individual’s name, the vaccine brand administered, and the date the vaccination was administered.
Currently we are uncertain when this requirement will change. If you are not fully vaccinated, you may still register for a future event this season. If the vaccination requirement is still ongoing at the time of your retreat, we will gladly hold and apply your deposit to a future retreat within this retreat season, accept it as a tax-deductible gift, or if necessary refund it with two days notice prior to the start of the retreat.
As of August 17, 2021 we are requiring masks and social distancing while indoors for all visitors regardless of vaccination status. Mask wearing is not required while outside or while in your room. This is in accordance with the Archdiocese of Chicago and Cook County guidelines. Dining arrangements are such that people eat 6 feet apart. Please bring mask(s) with you for your retreat.
Social distancing and mask wearing for all retreatants and staff is required to protect the health and safety of all who come to Bellarmine. Masks must be worn over the nose and mouth and should fit snugly against the sides of your face and under the chin.
In the event that COVID numbers decline and Cook County mandates change, we may require only non-vaccinated individuals to socially distance and wear masks. Therefore, we are still allowing those that are not fully vaccinated to register in the hope that this mandate will no longer be necessary at some point in the future. When registering for a retreat, we have added the following question to determine which of two groups you fall into:
1) Fully vaccinated and do not need social distancing
2) Either not fully vaccinated or requests social distancing.
Understanding the categories will help us appropriately plan for the needs of each retreat group and be able to respond to the changing environment created by the pandemic.
As the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has stated, "being vaccinated safely against COVID-19 should be considered an act of love of our neighbor and part of our moral responsibility for the common good."
If you are sick or feeling ill, please stay home and care for your health.
How will I know if your COVID guidelines change?
Please provide your most often checked email address and phone number so that we can keep you informed of any changes that may occur. In the meantime, we are asking about vaccination status and socially distancing needs to prepare the appropriate amount of spacing for each retreat group.
Additional COVID-19 Precautions
We have Filter Queen Defenders portable air purifiers throughout the retreat house (filters 99.99% of particles down to 0.1 micron, 3x better-than-HEPA filtration, ozone free, hospital approved).
We open windows to ensure both filtration and ventilation in our common area rooms and are dining room is set up for social distancing.
After Your Retreat:
Should you be diagnosed with COVID-19 within 10 days of your Bellarmine retreat, please promptly inform us so that we may notify your fellow retreatants of their possible exposure.
If any guest or employee contracts COVID-19, Bellarmine Jesuit Retreat House will promptly inform retreatants who were exposed.
Still Have Questions?
We understand you may have additional questions or concerns about attending a retreat at this time. Please call us at 847-381-1261. We are happy to help allay your concerns and explain in additional detail our safety standards and protocols. Please know that the safety of all guests and staff is our top priority and the guiding force of all that we do during this unprecedented time.