Graduation is a milestone in a young person’s life that they want to celebrate with their family, friends and fellow students. The Coronavirus pandemic put severe limitations on how grads were recognized last year, with traditional ceremonies replaced by virtual events, graduates at their homes with only immediate family, and diplomas received by mail. Graduation 2021 in many communities could have fewer restrictions and more gathering, but COVID-19 safety will still require different approaches compared to pre-pandemic years.
Effective vaccines now permit us to be with extended family and others who have been vaccinated. However, social distancing and the other public health measures recommended will remain in place for graduations to hold down any transmission to unvaccinated persons and those who are especially vulnerable. Holding graduations outdoors significantly reduces transmission risks. Depending on the size of the graduating class, several smaller ceremonies instead of one large one can allow for better social distancing. Your local public health agency will be your best resource for determining the capacity, screening measures and restrictions to follow for any in-person events, based on the current conditions in your community.
Capacity limits must include everyone anticipated to attend the graduation ceremony – graduates, family members, speakers and performers, school and district staff all must be counted. Ensure control measures for the ceremony, as well as entry and exit procedures enforce proper social distancing. If screening is to be conducted at the event, be sure there are enough screening staff and methods to prevent crowding at entrances. At the conclusion of the ceremony, provide clear instructions for an orderly exit from the venue.
In some areas, it may not yet be advisable to have a more traditional in-person graduation. Districts may want to consider the level of risk with their county health officials and plan an alternative to safely recognize graduates. Drive-in or drive-through style graduations, or other creative, socially-distanced events could be planned to avoid large crowds. The California Department of Public Health has recommended guidelines for commencement events and is updating them frequently as circumstances develop.
Recognizing graduates for their achievement is important and each student deserves this moment. But let’s make sure that this year’s graduations are not tarnished by regret. Safety must remain the top priority in planning commencement events. There should be no cutting corners on the details that prevent the spread of COVID-19. Additional Tips for Safe Graduation Ceremonies are in our recent Loss Control Bulletin.