At Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers, we have been working tirelessly to ensure all of our valued volunteers have been appropriately informed and kept up to date about COVID-19 pandemic and the ever changing travel conditions put in place by the Australian Government and other Governments in which Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers host projects.
When restrictions were put in place, we had many volunteers in the field, some on route to projects and some whom had not left for their destination yet. Individuals action plans were put in place to see that each volunteer was given the safest outcome and unfortunately, it meant that many were not able to complete their placements. We would like to update our readers and followers on our actions taken in response to the pandemic and how it is affecting the projects and communities we are partnered with.
But firstly…A thanks!
We are enthralled at the number of people who are willing to commit to volunteering their time and efforts when it is deemed safe to do so again. At times like this when countless businesses and whole industries suffer, it is so important to unite and continue to support each other, the environment and wildlife. There are still sick and injured animals in rehabilitation facilities in need of care and marine and terrestrial areas to preserve. Your drive and determination to continue to help, once this global pandemic has ceased, is very much appreciated.
Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers COVID-19 Action Plan
The current COVID19 (novel coronavirus) pandemic is not going to persist like this forever. Until authorities have lifted all travel ban restrictions,we have placed many volunteer project bookings on hold and have adjusted our terms and conditions to be more flexible to comply with current travel restrictions without affecting your experience.
This means that:
- No additional charges will be incurred to change your volunteer placement dates.
- If you choose to change your destination and/or project, you simply pay the difference, if any.
- Once travel restrictions are lifted, you have 12 months to reschedule and complete your volunteer experience.
- If you decide later on to cancel the booking completely, please refer to your volunteer terms and conditions.
We recommend that you use viable sources such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) or Australian Government Department of Health for updates on the coronavirus. Follow travel advice as issued by Governmental organisations and contact your local embassy of the country you are currently in and travelling to for up-to-date advice. Please note the situation continues to rapidly change, so please check these sites daily for up to date information.
All projects that remain open to volunteers are complying strictly with national and local Government medical regulations and advice to prevent the spread of coronavirus further throughout the community.Currently, very limited numbers of new volunteers are able to join projects, however some are in low risk countries and are still accepting volunteers from in-country (please note not all travellers will be accepted). Volunteers who were at projects as travel restrictions and self-quarantining measures were put in place have either returned home or are remaining at projects until further notice. Support mechanisms have been put in place for these volunteers.
Communication
We would like to apologise for any delay in emailing volunteers who are booked on projects in the next 2 months. We have a priority system in place whereby volunteers with commencement dates due to start sooner are being addressed first and later commencement dates will be addressed as soon as possible.
Please continue to contact us via email with any queries regarding your options. We will respond to your questions within a 24 hour period.
Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers are sending positivity and strength to all those out there directly or indirectly impacted by this pandemic. We will continue to adapt and work with our project partners during this tough time to ensure everyone’s well-being.
Written by Megan Cundy, Writer for Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers
