We will be living with COVID-19 for some time to come and public health officials are working with community groups to plan safer events.
In the webinar, “Planning Community Events in a COVID World,” Carol Moehrle, district director of Idaho Public Health in Lewiston, shared some “best practices” advice to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 during events.
Two questions organizers should first ask themselves are whether the event would draw in people from high-risk groups, such as people 65 or older or those with chronic health conditions. Second, would it attract crowds from other areas that are experiencing more confirmed, substantial community spread of the virus? Either of these could have a detrimental impact on attendees and the larger community.
More advice:
- Hold events outdoors.
- Ensure there is enough space for people or vendors to stay six feet apart.
- Require face coverings be used by vendors and attendees.
- Provide a variety of hand sanitation options.
- Frequently disinfect areas that are touched often.
- Post signs with prevention messages.
- Write down your plan, detailing measures you will take to prevent the spread of disease. This will help if someone later challenges organizers because they got sick at their event.
- Stay in touch with patrons leading up the event so you can inform them of last-minute location changes, cancellations or refunds.
- Communicate expectations to the public ahead of time. If masks will be required, let them know in advance and with signs at the event.
The webinar with advice on event planning is available to watch online at: rockingtherebound.com
