Resources for Large Community Events & Mass Gatherings
Before and During an Outbreak
Guidance Highlights for Events and Mass Gatherings
When there is no spread of COVID-19 in the community:
- Encourage staff and attendees to stay home if sick.
- Develop flexible refund policies for attendees.
- Provide supplies that can be used to help prevent the spread of germs.
- Consult local public health officials about your event.
- Review considerations on when to cancel an event.
If there is minimal or moderate spreadpdf icon in your community:
- Cancel events for groups of 250 people or more.
- 3/29/20 UPDATE: The President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America — Slow the Spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19):
- For organizations that serve people who are at higher risk of serious COVID-19 illness, cancel events for groups of 10 people or more.
If there is substantial spreadpdf icon in your community:
- Cancel events of any size.
If there is a case of COVID-19 at your event:
- Separate anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms from others until they can go home.
- Anyone with symptoms should not take public transportation or shared rides
- Contact local public health officials.
- Communicate with staff and attendees about possible exposure.
- Clean and disinfect the event space.
At all times…
Encourage your staff or community members to protect their personal health.
Post the signs and symptoms of COVID-19:
fever, cough, shortness of breath.Clean surfaces that are frequently touched – things such as shared desks, countertops, kitchen areas, electronics, and doorknobs.
Limit events and meetings that require close contact.
Stay up to date on developments in your community.
Create an emergency plan for possible outbreak.
Assess if community members are at higher risk and plan accordingly.
During an outbreak in your area
- If you identify a case, inform people who might have been exposed.
- Continue to safely clean and disinfect the person's area.
Connect with your local health departmentexternal icon.
- Cancel large meetings or events.
- Put your infectious disease outbreak plan into action.