As a wedding/event planner, it is important for me to stay in the know of the protocols and processes for as many of the event categories as possible. Below you will find some tips on how to host an event safely during our current Covid times.
Attending an event or gathering
Prepare before you go:
- Stay home if you have been diagnosed with COVID-19, or waiting for COVID-19 test results, or may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.
- Check with the venue or planner for updated information regarding COVID-19 safety guidelines.
- Prioritize attending outdoor activities over indoor activities and stay within your local area as much as possible.
- Bring items to help you stay healthy— ex., face mask, hand sanitizer, and drinking water.
Use social distancing and limit physical contact
- Maintain (if possible) a distance of at least 6 feet or more from people who don’t live in your household.
- Select seating or determine where to stand based on the ability to keep 6 feet of space from people who don’t live in your household.
- Arrive to the event early or at off-peak times. Avoid crowding and congested areas.
- Avoid using restroom facilities or concession areas at high traffic times.
Limit contact with commonly touched surfaces or shared items
- Use touchless garbage cans or pails and cashless payment options when possible. Otherwise, exchange cash or card by placing payment in a receipt tray, if available, or on the counter.
- Avoid any self-serve food or drink options, such as buffets, salad bars, and condiment or drink stations.
- Use disposable food service items including utensils and dishes, if available.
- Wash your hand with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer immediately before eating food.
Large Event Gatherings
Continue to take these steps to reduce your risk of getting and spreading COVID-19:
- Correctly and consistently wear a mask. Make sure to cover your nose and mouth.
- Try to stay 6ft away from others who do not live with you.
- Avoid poorly ventilated indoor spaces
- If you aren't feeling well, please stay home.
- Keep your hands clean.
- Get vaccinated if and when you are comfortable with it.
- Get tested if you have signs or symptoms of COVID-19, or if you think you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.
For more details and information on protocols for large events, please click on the link below.
Small Gatherings
Small gatherings are informal in nature and may occur with family and friends you regularly socialize with, often at someone’s residence. They typically do not involve long distance travel. Small gathering guidance might be more appropriate for social gatherings that are more intimate with close friends and family, such as small holiday parties, family dinners, and small special celebrations.
Steps Everyone Can Take to Make Small Gatherings Safer
Wear a mask
Stay at least 6 feet away from others who do not live with you
Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated indoor spaces
Wash your hands
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays/small-gatherings.html
Vaccinated People
If you’ve been fully vaccinated you can follow the info below.
- resume activities that you did prior to the pandemic.
- You can also resume activities without wearing a mask, maintaining a physical distance, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws.
- Traveling inside the US, you don't need to be tested prior or following your trip. It also wouldn't be necessary to self-quarantine after your trip.
- Make sure you have checked Covid protocols at your international destination prior to your trip.
To read more about life after the Covid vaccination, click the link below.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html
Moving forward from Covid, we need to continue our safety protocols and plan our events safely. As you read, you can gather with friends and even strangers in a safe manner. If you are ready to plan a gathering and would the assistance and knowledge of a wedding/event planner, contact me at jeryse@mjkevents.com or 480-248-4938. I am here and ready to plan a Covid friendly celebration.
