Hello fellow Covid Zeros! Reagan here, your friendly veterinarian and an active member of the Covid Underground. Our community’s safety and continued dedication to a new norm that prioritizes health and adaptability is something I am truly passionate about. Today, I want to share with you a comprehensive guide to organizing Covid-safe outdoor events for beginners. Whether it’s a small gathering with friends or a larger community event, we can still embrace connection and maintain our safety.

1. Choose a Spacious and Well-Ventilated Venue

The key to a Covid-safe event lies in a well-ventilated location with plenty of room for social distancing. Selecting an outdoor venue, such as a park, beach, or a backyard, allows fresh air to circulate, reducing the risk of viral transmission. Ensure that the space accommodates the planned number of attendants while allowing ample room for everyone to maintain a distance of at least six feet from one another.

2. Limit the Number of Attendees

By limiting the number of attendees, we can further minimize the risk of transmission. Keep the guest list small and manageable, and consider setting a strict limit on the number of participants. Smaller, intimate events are not only safer but also allow for more meaningful connections.

3. Establish and Communicate Health and Safety Guidelines

Before your event, establish a set of health and safety guidelines for all attendees to follow. These guidelines may include wearing masks, maintaining a six-foot distance from others, and frequent hand sanitization. Notify your guests about these rules ahead of time via email or messages, and reiterate them on the day of the event. Consider posting clear signage around the venue as reminders and encouragement to adhere to the guidelines.

4. Plan Covid-Safe Activities

Choose activities that promote social distancing and minimize physical contact. Provide individual seating arrangements or encourage guests to bring their own chairs or picnic blankets. Avoid shared equipment for games or sports and opt for activities that can be enjoyed individually or in small groups. Some ideas include frisbee, yoga, sketching, or outdoor movie screenings.

5. Encourage BYO (Bring Your Own) Food and Beverages

Bringing one’s own food and drink to events is an easy way to ensure that no shared consumables are passed between guests. Make sure to provide plenty of trash cans and recycling bins for easy clean-up, and keep hand sanitizers readily available for everyone to use.

6. Provide and Encourage Frequent Hand Sanitization

Place hand sanitizers and disinfecting wipes around the event space, and encourage guests to use them frequently. In addition, consider setting up a few handwashing stations, equipped with soap, water, and paper towels, for a more thorough cleaning option.

7. Keep Masks Mandatory

Even if the event takes place outdoors and encourages social distancing, wearing masks adds an extra layer of protection. Be firm in your enforcement of this rule and ensure everyone at the event adheres to it. Have a supply of extra masks available for distribution in case someone forgets theirs or needs a replacement.

8. Designate a “Safety Monitor”

Having a designated person in charge of monitoring compliance with the Covid-19 safety rules can be an effective way to ensure that everyone adheres to them. The safety monitor can also assist with the set-up and clean-up of the event and answer any questions or address concerns that may arise.

9. Be Mindful of High-Touch Surfaces

During the course of your event, be aware of high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, tables, and chairs. Incorporate frequent cleaning and sanitization into your event plan to minimize the risk of infection through touch.

10. Foster an Open Dialogue

Encourage communication among your guests and make them feel comfortable expressing any concerns they may have. By fostering an open dialogue, you can identify any potential issues and modify your event plans as needed to prioritize everyone’s safety.

Organizing a Covid-safe outdoor event requires planning, thoughtfulness, and adaptability. By following these guidelines, and constantly monitoring and evaluating the situation, you can create an enjoyable and safe experience for all. Events like these not only help strengthen our Covid Zero community but also provide a space where we can foster our values of health, adaptability, and resilience.

Stay safe and have a fantastic time at your Covid-safe event!