Coronavirus and Outdoor Events
As we enter a Summer unlike any other during the pandemic, many of us are figuring out how to safely be around others. Outdoor gatherings or events, when approached carefully, may be a viable option to get together while still staying safe. Let’s take a look at some of the things to keep in mind for outdoor gatherings during the coronavirus pandemic.
Healthy behaviors to prevent coronavirus spread
There are several behaviors that are important to encourage for any people attending a gathering. First, people should stay home from events when necessary. For example, if someone has recently tested positive for the coronavirus, or if they are showing symptoms of the coronavirus, they should not attend any events. If you are planning an event, consider creating policies that encourage this for employees, volunteers, and attendees. Flexible refund and worker policies can help promote safer behaviors.
For people who will be attending an outdoor event or gathering, good hygiene is incredibly important. Regular hand-washing is a key component of preventing disease spread, so easy access to hand-washing and sanitizing stations and areas is crucial. People should also cover coughs and sneezes and wash their hands immediately after.
Cloth face coverings are another key aspect of preventing disease spread. By wearing masks at gatherings, people who may be unknowingly infected keep others safe. Masks are especially important when social distancing is not possible. This distancing is another key component of safe gatherings. People should maintain a distance of at least six feet from people not in their households when possible.
To ensure all of these behaviors are encouraged and followed, make sure you provide necessary supplies and reminders. Post signs that remind people of healthy behaviors in visible locations, and make sure there are enough hand-washing and sanitizing stations. You may want to announce regular reminders to hand-wash, distance, and sanitize. Additionally, you may need to provide cloth masks for people without them.
Healthy environments
There are several key parts of making a safe and healthy environment for outdoor gatherings during the pandemic. Clean and disinfect high-use and shared surfaces on a regular schedule (between use as much as possible). This can include tables, handles, and railings.
Restrooms can be a tricky area to manage too. You can limit the number of people who can use a restroom at the same time. Additionally, you can implement a six foot distance policy for any restroom lines. Make sure to regularly clean restrooms, and stock them with hand-washing supplies. Fortunately, companies like Moon Portable Restrooms can help you get the restrooms and sanitizing stations you need for a safer gathering.
Gathering layouts are important to consider as well. You can consider limiting gathering capacity or seating to enable more social distancing. You can also enforce distancing by creating distance between seats and putting distanced lines or other markers on the ground where lines may form.
If food is a part of your gathering, there are a few other important considerations. There is no evidence that the coronavirus can spread through food directly. However, sharing utensils and congregating in shared spaces to get or consume food can spread the disease. Disposable food service items like silverware and plates can be a safe option. Additionally, you should distance seating areas and clean them as much as possible. You should also avoid self-service dining.
Local context
The most important consideration for any outdoor gathering is the specific local context. At a basic level, the higher the level of community transmission in the place a gathering is held, the higher the risk of disease spread is at the gathering. Every location is experiencing disease spread and impact in different ways, and different cities, counties, states, and countries have their own rules in response. You should always check specific guidance for where your gathering or event may be. That guidance will give you the best idea of specific do’s and don’ts, and whether having your event is allowable or responsible.
Moon Portable Restrooms has years of experience offering the best portable restrooms, restroom trailers, and handwashing stations available to customers across Kentucky and Southern Indiana. For more information, give Moon Portable Restrooms a call at (502) 776-2199.
