COVID-19 Coronavirus outbreak causes uncertainty throughout the events industry

Working alongside venues, venue bookers and attendees there is a great deal of uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 Coronavirus situation globally. Hotels and venues are working above and beyond to ensure the safety of both staff and guests. They are providing up-to-date information to help both pre and post events.

Last Friday, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a document to help those that are planning large events. Within this document contained key recommendations including preventative measures, risk assessments and crowd density. The document also provides critical guidance if any attendees display any symptoms consistent with the COVID-19 virus during an event.

The following guidance has been excerpted from the WHO document:

• Promote hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette. Include this advice within multilingual informational materials.
• Soap and water or alcohol hand-sanitizers and tissues should be easily accessible in all common areas.
• Where possible, event organizers should consider distancing measures to reduce close contact among people during a large event including staggering arrivals and minimising congregations at sanitary stations and food and water distribution areas.

A UK-wide action plan to tackle Coronavirus was agreed by today’s COBRA meeting which was chaired by Boris Johnson. Elements of this action plan will start to appear as early as next week.

Here at EDGE Venues, we will continue to provide relevant updates and be in close contact with those affected within the industry. For event organisers planning an event, please see our advice to help you plan.