As you wrap up what may be the most unusual school year you have ever gone through, we’re sure you’re hoping this fall will be more normal. Maybe you were able to hold some of your end-of-the-year events, such as commencement, in person but with modifications to keep everyone safe. No one knows for sure how the situation will change over the summer, but with high COVID-19 vaccination rates, live events on campus may again resume.
Think about the live events you are considering. Class registration, athletics, and employee benefit fairs are typical fall events. You may have found that some virtual versions of events were more convenient, cost effective and resulted in better engagement. For live sporting events, it is essential to coordinate with other schools involved to ensure consistent requirements are understood and enforced for participant and spectator safety. If the situation changes, be ready with contingency plans, such as moving events outdoors or admitting smaller capacities.
"Public health measures will probably apply to live events this fall."
The planning you do now will help to make the return to nearly normal safe and successful. While many restrictions are being lifted, it’s likely that some public health measures will still be mandated or recommended in the fall. Social distancing and limits on the number of individuals allowed for mass gathering could still be advisable. Hand sanitation is always a good idea, so make provisions to have sanitizer available at your events. Indoor events could still require face masking to protect individuals who may still be vulnerable due to medical conditions. Provide attendees with advance instruction on procedures and preparations they must follow, as well as how to self-screen for any indications of illness that should preclude their attendance.
At the event venue, determine what control measures, entry and exit procedures and staffing will be needed to enforce social distancing and other safety requirements. Floor markings, seating arrangements and cordoning will assist attendees in maintaining space between unrelated persons. Deliver clear instructions prior to the close of the event for an orderly, uncrowded departure.
In all cases, you must apply the most current guidelines and orders from your local public health agency for any live events you conduct. County departments of health are updating requirements according to the situation present in their communities as they work to prevent further outbreaks of COVID-19. Remember as we move further into the fall and winter months, the potential for a return of widespread influenza will increase as social activities resume. If people continue to follow good hygiene and common-sense infection prevention that we learned during the Coronavirus pandemic, we just might have a chance to reduce the flu’s impact, too!