We are all very much living a ‘new normal’ when it comes to socialising and attending events during the Covid-19 pandemic. We’ve seen millions of pounds invested into keeping establishments safe and open in the past six months and we don’t envisage this changing in the early months of 2021 at the very least.
Photo: The Open University
Socialising has become more difficult in the face on the pandemic.
What is Covid-19 Secure?
'Covid-19 Secure' was initially introduced to give guidelines for several workplaces following the lifting of the national lockdown in June. The principles were originally in place for construction, factories, labs, offices, restaurants and shops. Then this was updated to include indoor and outdoor events with socially distanced audiences with the exception of large sporting events. The Covid-19 secure guidelines are in place to help prevent the spread of the virus in public places.
Previous Covid-19 Secure guidelines for events
Previous to the November lockdown, indoor and outdoor events guidelines were introduced that differed to workplaces slightly. Events can be anything from a dinner with a keynote speaker to live music gigs outside. The main instruction was to introduce a track and trace system and venue check-in to monitor who was present and at what times. Venues also had to clean and disinfect frequently, especially busy areas that were in regular use. Modified layouts were also strongly advised to ensure that a safe 2-metre rule could be observed at all times with only table service permitted. Standing at the bar, dancing or singing was not allowed.
Event planning in 2021
With rules and guidelines changing almost daily along with scientific breakthroughs to provide a vaccine, it’s impossible to predict what events will look like in 2021. There are, however, things we know about the virus and preventing the spread that will undoubtedly need to be considered for event planning well into 2021. Here are five things we’d suggest considering when planning events next year.
1. Carry out a risk assessment
Ensuring you identify all potential hazards at your event is crucial in keeping people safe and are following government guidelines fully.
2. Social distanced layout
Careful planning around your event layout is a must in order to adhere to the 2-metre social distancing rule. This goes as far as thinking about how people will get to the toilet facilities or leave and enter the event if required.
3. Temperature checks and sanitising
Most event venues have implemented mandatory temperature checks and hand sanitising before entry to a venue. This reduces any risk of permitting a guest who may have Covid-19 and reduces the risk of spreading the virus from touching surfaces.
4. PPE for staff
Any workers or staff at your event should wear PPE to help protect themselves and the guests they serve. Face coverings or face shields are strongly advised as well as disposable gloves and aprons to minimise potential risks.
4. Single-use products
If your event includes serving of food and beverages, it’s important to try to minimise anything that involves sharing across lots of different people. Things like sauces should be provided in sachets instead of bottles, as should salt and pepper.
5. Exit strategy
Having a thorough exit plan once your event has finished is incredibly important. Careful planning is required to ensure that social distancing can still be in place while guests leave your event and there is a clear, signposted route to exit safely. This is even more important if your event finishes at the same time instead of having staggered time slots or having a more relaxed event where people can leave when they want.
By making sure we keep events and entertainment venues as safe as possible while in the organisation stages, will hopefully mean that 2021 can see the return of many much-loved events for the foreseeable future.
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