With the impact COVID-19 has made on our social lives, many of us are excited to head back out to gatherings in our region. These can include concerts, sporting events, festivals or farmer’s markets.
Given the current climate around the COVID-19 pandemic, many festivals and events may be canceled this year, so be sure to stay up to date on festival social media pages for the most relevant news.
If you do have events planned in your community, there are many reasons to be enthusiastic. But there are also many important factors that we should consider before heading out the door.
Keep an eye out for local festivals and events leading up to the holiday season. These are great places to support local businesses while also getting some items crossed off your shopping list.
CDC Recommendations
With the COVID-19 pandemic, you can’t be too careful when it comes to attending public festivals or events. Follow these recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to make sure you stay safe:
• Practice frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and increase monitoring to ensure adherence.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol and rub your hands until dry.
• Cover the mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing and sneezing. Used tissues should be thrown in the trash and hands washed immediately with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid handshakes, fist bumps and high-fives at meetings and sporting events.
• Use of cloth face coverings, especially in times when physical distancing is difficult or during times when you may raise your voice.
COVID-19 Risk Factors
According to the CDC, the risk of COVID-19 spreading at events and gatherings increases as follows:
Lowest risk: Virtual-only activities, events and gatherings.
More risk: Smaller outdoor and in-person gatherings in which individuals from different households remain spaced at least 6 feet apart, wear cloth face coverings, do not share objects and come from the same local area.
Higher risk: Medium-sized in-person gatherings that are adapted to allow individuals to remain spaced at least 6 feet apart and with attendees coming from outside the local area.
Highest risk: Large in-person gatherings where it is difficult for individuals to remain spaced at least 6 feet apart and attendees travel from outside the local area.
