Whether you’re planning an event for yourself or a client, one thing you must do is ensure that it’s a COVID-safe event. Restrictions are lifting within the UK, and more people can now do things socially in larger groups than, say, a few months ago.
However, you still need to take plenty of steps to ensure that the risk of COVID getting spread at your venue is low. The following is a practical guide to help you create a fun, friendly, and COVID-safe event. Here’s what you need to know:
Assess the Risks
The first step you must take is to identify what, if any, risks are present at your event. For example, an indoor event at a restaurant will inevitably have more risks for spreading coronavirus than an outdoor one, and small indoor spaces are riskier than larger ones.
Once you’ve identified the risks, you can then make notes of your assessment and take the proper steps to mitigate those risks. You’ll also demonstrate to people attending your event that you’ve planned it with safety in mind.
Ensure Social Distancing Is Possible
For now, there are still limitations in place regarding social distancing – both indoors and outdoors. With that in mind, you should plan how you can make social distancing possible at your event’s venue.
For example, you might wish to limit the number of people allowed to attend the event. You may also want to ensure there is plenty of space (i.e. two metres) between tables if you’re hosting a sit-down event, irrespective of whether it’s indoors or outdoors.
Another idea is to keep items like furniture inside a confined space to a minimum, as doing so will help you achieve social distancing measures for your event.
Ask People to Wear Masks Indoors
If you’re hosting an indoor event, you need to ask attendees and also members of staff to wear masks unless they are sat down at a table or are medically exempt from wearing a mask.
Note that you cannot ask people for proof of their medical exemption, nor can you enforce a policy of only mask-wearers allowed at the venue. If possible, it makes sense to hold your event outdoors as you can relax such restrictions in open spaces.
Provide Plenty of Hand Sanitiser
Another way of making your event COVID-safe is by providing plenty of hand sanitiser at various points at your venue. For example, it makes sense to have some SANZi hand sanitiser at all entry and exit points at your venue.
You should also provide hand sanitiser in toilets and ensure that all toilets are well-stocked with paper towels and handwash. Make sure you have enough stock of hand sanitiser appropriate to the number of people attending your event’s venue.
Provide COVID Precautionary Training to Your Staff
Lastly, all your staff should know what precautions they must take to help curb the spread of COVID-19 at your event. For instance, they should wear masks when serving food and drinks to attendees and ensure all surfaces get cleaned regularly.
