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Covid-19: Events, performances and festivals

Whilst cases of Covid-19 remain high, hosting events for large numbers of people remains particularly challenging. However, from 1 April, the Government will remove the health and safety requirement for every employer to explicitly consider COVID-19 in their risk assessments and will replace the existing set of ‘Working Safely’ guidance with new public health guidance.
The Council and Gloucestershire County Council Public Health may continue to prohibit events from taking place if there is a significant risk of transmission of infection.

Hosting indoor and outdoor events

We urge you to contact the Stroud Safety Advisory Group (SAG) at an early stage in the planning process. 

The Government has issued guidance for event organisers. For further information on what you can and cannot do check the government website. The following guidance is provided to assist in planning for future events. 

For many restaurants, pubs and bars, providing entertainment such as recorded music, live sports broadcasts, quizzes, live musicians or comedians are an important part of your business. 

Venues should take account of the current guidance in organising performances and include them in their risk assessments.

Steps that will normally be needed include:-

  • cleaning surfaces that people touch regularly;
  • identifying poorly-ventilated areas in the venue and taking steps to improve air flow;
  • ensuring that staff and customers who are unwell do not attend the workplace or venue; encouraging use of online ticketing and online or contactless payments for entertainment where possible.
  • encourage staff and visitors to take a lateral flow device test before attending crowded indoor venues.
  • communicating clearly to customers the arrangements for entertainment and supervising with additional staff if appropriate.

Events in public outdoor spaces

It is likely that businesses and venues will need to follow COVID-19 Secure guidelines for some time and events in public outdoor spaces that are organised by businesses, charitable or political organisations, and public bodies, will need to take reasonable steps to mitigate the risk of transmission, in line with COVID-19 Secure guidance and including completion of a risk assessment. 

The Events Industry Forum has produced guidance for organisers of events during the Covid-19 pandemic. Social distancing and hygiene facilities are extremely important when large numbers of people are gathered in one place and organisers have a responsibility to manage visitor's behaviour.

Theatres, concert hall and cinemas

Theatres, concert halls and cinemas should follow the government's Guidance.

Weddings and Funerals

There is separate guidance relating to Weddings and wedding receptions 

Face Coverings

In England, face coverings are no longer required by law but are recommended in a wide range of settings including entertainment venues, shops, supermarkets, indoor transport hubs, indoor shopping centres, banks, building societies, post offices and on public transport. Please be mindful that there are valid exemptions for some individuals and groups to not wear a face covering in these settings.

People are also strongly encouraged to wear a face covering in any enclosed public space where there are people they do not normally meet.

 

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