Let's first be honest; this isn't yet a post COVID-19 world and it won't be for some time yet. However, in-person events are beginning to happen and we need to consider what that means, practically.
How do we maintain reasonable levels of safety for those people who attend? What do we do about those who simply cannot attend, either through concerns over their health or the inability to travel? I might not even be allowed into events in the USA at the moment as the Astra Zeneca vaccine I had isn't recognised there.
One thing I do know is I received an absolute masterclass in how to communicate the COVID-19 health protocols that are going to be implemented at an event I am attending next weekend, The Overland Event, and I would like to share their email with you, below:
Dear ticket buyer,
This message contains important information about our arrangements for managing COVID risks at The Overland Event 2021. PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY. Please forward this email to any ticket-holders you purchased a ticket on behalf of.
These controls form part of our licence to hold the event. Anyone who will not comply with these conditions of entry will not be allowed access to the site.
Last year, everyone complied with the rules and we had zero cases of COVID transmission, and are therefore able to run the event again, this year back to our normal capacity. While legal restrictions have been relaxed, Coronavirus is very much still around... this year we have the privilege of welcoming back presenters in their eighties and nineties, and an immunity suppressed transplant patient. These presenters are only able to attend because we will all work together as a community to keep them safe.
Conditions of Entry:
On arrival, all attendees will be subject to a temperature test with an infrared non-contact thermometer.
Attendees who have received two COVID vaccinations:
These attendees must also EITHER show their completed vaccination card issued to them at the time of their jabs, OR their COVID pass/certificate. Information on how to get a COVID Pass if you were vaccinated in the UK can be found on the relevant links below:
England: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/nhs-covid-pass
Wales: https://gov.wales/get-nhs-covid-pass-show-your-vaccination-status-travel
Scotland: https://www.nhsinform.scot/covid-19-vaccine/after-your-vaccine/get-a- record-of-your-coronavirus-covid-19-vaccination-status
Northern Ireland: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/services/coronavirus-covid-19-covid-
Northern Ireland: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/services/coronavirus-covid-19-covid- certificate-ni-residents
Non-UK vaccinated attendees must provide the equivalent national documentation for the country in which their vaccination took place.
Attendees who have NOT received two COVID vaccinations:
These attendees must also show evidence of a negative result from a lateral flow test within the last 48 hours before arrival. https://www.gov.uk/report-covid19-result. You can find out how to obtain tests here: https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid- lateral-flow-tests
Attendees who cannot comply with either of these conditions will not be admitted to the site, to ensure the safety of all attendees.
Once on site:
- Masks/face coverings must be worn in indoor areas – masks do not have to be worn in the main presentation Marquee as it will have open sides. Your face covering can be of any sort (maybe even the necktube you rode in wearing!). If you have an exemption from wearing a face covering, please email Saul on saul@overlandevent.com at least 7 days prior to the event. This enables us to make reasonable adjustments for you, and to make sure you get the right admission wristband.
- Respect the personal space of others who require physical distancing. Please use the hand sanitisers provided and wash your hands regularly.
- Further information on how to stay COVID secure at Overland can be read at https://www.overlandevent.com/covid19
If you feel you will be unable to comply with these rules, you may return your ticket by 10 August 2021 for resale to the waiting list.
Keep safe and see you in September!
I think that is brilliant!
What else do we need to think about? I know I seem to spend the first two days of DrupalCon doing greeting hugs and the last two days doing au devoir hugs - but who wants to be in close contact and who doesn't these days? Do we need to figure that out?
Tell me - what do we need to think about? And what great examples of best practice are emerging?
Comments