More than one-third of responding readers said it will not be safe to attend in-person conferences again until sometime in 2022. September 2021 was selected by 12.2% of respondents as being safe to attend in-person conferences again, assuming safety precautions are taken.
Will we have in-person events and conferences in 2021?
Comparably, virtual events don’t require the travel costs and are much less expensive to produce, which lowers registration fees, making them much more affordable for companies and individuals. So, will we have in-person events and conferences in 2021? Yes, but the number will be nowhere near pre-pandemic levels.
Will the conference industry return to $235 billion?
A return to the full $235 billion conference industry is far from guaranteed. Here are a few things to consider: As the pandemic spread, many conferences and events moved to virtual systems instead of traditional in-person schedules.
What should meeting organizers know about health and safety in 2021?
Meeting organizers preparing for shows scheduled in 2021 and beyond must consider the health and safety of attendees and staff at every step of the planning process.
Did an event you planned to attend get cancelled in 2020?
Chances are, an event or conference you planned to attend got cancelled in 2020. Events large and small, from Apple’s WWDC to the local insurance agent mingle, were cancelled or moved online due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Are in-person concerts during the COVID-19 pandemic safe?
Indoor concerts especially, pose a high risk of transmission, due to the large crowds and everyone touching each other. Because of this, most concerts held in recent months took place outdoors.
Can I still have sex during the coronavirus pandemic?
If both of you are healthy and feeling well, are practicing social distancing and have had no known exposure to anyone with COVID-19, touching, hugging, kissing, and sex are more likely to be safe.
What is the risk of getting coronavirus on a plane?
Because of how air circulates and is filtered on airplanes, most viruses and other germs do not spread easily on airplanes. Although the risk of infection on an airplane is low, travelers should try to avoid contact with sick passengers and wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer that contain 60%–95% alcohol.For more information: Exposure Risk During Travel
How long does COVID-19 rebound last?
So far there have been no reports of severe illness in those who have experienced covid rebound, and most people seem to recover and stop testing positive around three days later without needing additional covid-19 treatment.
How safe is intimacy with a partner during the COVID-19 pandemic?
See full answerIf both of you are healthy and feeling well, are practicing social distancing and have had no known exposure to anyone with COVID-19, touching, hugging, kissing, and sex are more likely to be safe. Similarly, sharing a bed with a partner who is healthy should not be an issue.Be aware, though, that the CDC reports that some people may have the virus and not yet have symptoms during the early part of the incubation period (presymptomatic). Additionally, some people never develop obvious symptoms of COVID-19 (asymptomatic). In either case, it’s possible that the virus might spread through physical contact and intimacy.
Can you get COVID-19 from kissing someone?
It’s well known that the coronavirus infects the body’s airways and other parts of the body, but new research indicates that the virus also infects mouth cells. You don’t want to kiss someone who’s got COVID.
How can I protect myself from COVID-19 when traveling?
Maintaining physical distance to prevent COVID-19 is often difficult on public transportation. People may not be able to keep a distance of 6 feet from others on airplanes, trains, or buses. Protect yourself from COVID-19 by staying up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines and by wearing a mask on public transportation.
Does COVID-19 live in the air?
Research shows that the virus can live in the air for up to 3 hours. It can get into your lungs if someone who has it breathes out and you breathe that air in.
Should I go to the doctor or dentist for nonurgent appointments during the COVID-19 pandemic?
See full answerMany medical and dental practices now have sufficient personal protective equipment and have instituted comprehensive safety measures to help protect you, the doctor and office staff, and other patients. If you feel anxious about visiting in person, call the practice.Many doctor’s offices are increasingly providing telehealth services. This may mean appointments by phone call, or virtual visits using a video chat service. Ask to schedule a telehealth appointment with your doctor for a new or ongoing nonurgent matter. If, after speaking to you, your doctor would like to see you in person, he or she will let you know.
Is it possible to have a rebound infection after recovering from COVID-19?
According to the CDCs latest guidance, people can experience a rebound in symptoms two to eight days after recovering from the coronavirus. The CDC noted there have been no severe cases of Covid rebound, and no additional treatment is necessary for the relapse in symptoms.
What is COVID-19 rebound?
COVID-19 rebound is when people with COVID-19 get better, then begin to get symptoms 2-8 days after they have recovered. They may also test positive again.
What is the recovery time for the coronavirus disease?
Early research suggested that it could take 2 weeks for your body to get over a mild illness, or up to 6 weeks for severe or critical cases. Newer data show that recovery varies for different people, depending on things like your age and overall health.
Are we allowed to require vaccination against COVID-19 to attend or work at an event? Does this violate the rules of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)?
Event planners might choose to verify COVID-19 vaccination status at the time of ticket sales or entry to an event. Organizers must obey all applicable local, state, tribal, and territorial laws, regulations and rules as they consider whether to confirm COVID-19 vaccination status.
Our event will include people who are fully vaccinated and people who are not fully vaccinated. What prevention strategies should we use?
Event organizers, staff, and attendees who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 should follow CDC’s Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People.
How many guests can safely attend a conference, sporting event, concert, or other community event?
CDC does not provide specific numbers, including maximum or minimum numbers, of attendees for events and gatherings. Event organizers should work with local public health officials and follow applicable local laws and regulations, including those related to privacy, to determine the prevention strategies needed in their area.
Should organizers test all attendees and staff for COVID-19 before they can enter an event? Should we conduct temperature checks and COVID-19 symptom screening at the door?
Organizers may consider testing all unvaccinated attendees and staff for the virus that causes COVID-19 (or requiring proof of a negative viral test 1-3 days before the event) before allowing them to enter an event.
What are the CDC guidelines for meeting planners?
The CDC guidelines encourage event organizers to follow state and local regulations on gatherings ( updates on Covid-19 restrictions in all 50 states can be found here ). Meeting planners should continually monitor the outbreak and make adjustments to the event plan as needed.
What is the CDC’s guidance for 2021?
Guidance from the CDC provides a critical roadmap for resuming events in the U.S., with details on how to evaluate the risk levels and key actions that can help prevent the spread of the virus. Cleanliness protocols are also covered.
What should meeting planners do?
Meeting planners should continually monitor the outbreak and make adjustments to the event plan as needed . “Event planners should work with state and local health officials to implement this guidance, adjusting to meet the unique needs and circumstances of the local community,” reads the document.
Is level 2 a risk?
Countries that fall under level two pose a moderate risk, and the CDC says unvaccinated people who are at increased risk for Covid-19 should not travel to these areas. Regions with low risk of Covid-19 are classified under level one, but the agency still recommends getting fully vaccinated before traveling.
Can you wear a mask indoors?
The agency suggests that fully vaccinated people consider wearing a mask in public indoor settings even if local transmission levels are not substantial, particularly for people who are immunocompromised or at increased risk of severe illness from Covid-19, or if they live with someone who fits that description.
Does not wearing a mask increase the risk of contagion?
Behavior or attendees: Events where unvaccinated people do not maintain physical distancing and/or do not wear a mask correctly can increase the risk of contagion. For meetings that are scheduled to go on, the CDC has offered the following recommendations:
Why are virtual meetings and hybrid meetings important?
Virtual meetings and hybrid meetings are here to stay because they answer the need to meet with more people — more safely and more effectively. Small, drive-to meetings will also be one of the ways the event industry rebuilds and makes its comeback.
Should hotels communicate safety protocols?
If you commit to safety, commit to getting the word out about it.”. Hotels should communicate their safety protocol as far and wide as possible, in any way that they can. All messaging should shift to the drumbeat of safety first, because building a reputation of safety drives meetings and events forward.
Is self service buffet a viable option?
When it comes to F&B at events, self-service buffets likely won’t be a viable option for a while. Seated dining could be an alternative option if there are available staff members trained in sanitation and food-handling measures. These extra steps and layers of caution could tack on added costs to F&B, so it’s in venues’ best interest to offer cost-effective solutions for food and beverage at events. One option could be pre-packed meals that attendees pick up from fridges or multiple locations, or have the boxed meals already placed at their seats at the event.
Is it safe to go to an indoor concert right now?
Fans were understandably excited when vaccines cleared the way for musicians to get back on the road. However, is it safe right now to go to an indoor concert?
How effective are indoor venue COVID-19 precautions?
As COVID-19 case numbers increase around the country, some indoor venues are taking steps to protect performers, staff and audience members. For example, most Broadway theaters are requiring show attendees be fully vaccinated and wear masks during performances.
Are outdoor concerts or music festivals safe to attend?
Last year, in lieu of indoor live music, many venues pivoted and presented intimate outdoor shows. Those have continued in 2021, joined by higher-capacity concerts and music festivals at traditional outdoor music venues.
Are negative COVID-19 tests a good gauge of safety?
Many concert venues around the U.S. have started requiring ticket-holders to show proof of vaccinations for entry. New York City also announced it would soon require patrons to show proof of vaccination at indoor restaurants, gyms, and movie theaters.
International Travel
CDC Guidelines For Events
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Meeting organizers preparing for shows scheduled in 2022 and beyond must consider the health and safety of attendees and staff at every step of the planning process. Guidancefrom the CDC provides a critical roadmap for resuming events in the U.S., with details on how to evaluate the risk levels and key actions that can help prevent the spread of the virus. Cleanliness protocols ar…
Risk Factors to Consider
- The number of Covid-19 cases within the community:High or increasing levels of local infection could increase the risk of spread among attendees.
- Potential for exposure during travel: Airports, airplanes, bus stations, buses, train stations, trains and public transport are all places where physical distancing might be challenging and ventila…
- The number of Covid-19 cases within the community:High or increasing levels of local infection could increase the risk of spread among attendees.
- Potential for exposure during travel: Airports, airplanes, bus stations, buses, train stations, trains and public transport are all places where physical distancing might be challenging and ventila…
- Length of the event:Longer meetings pose greater risk. Being within six feet of someone who has Covid-19 for a total of 15 minutes or more (over a 24-hour period) greatly increases the risk of beco…
- The setting: Indoor events, especially in places with poor ventilation, pose more risk than outdoor events.
Before The Event
- Educate staff members and attendees as to when they should stay home.
- Establish flexible refund policies for anyone who falls ill, must care for a sick household member or is at high risk of contracting Covid-19 and can no longer attend the event.
- Gather supplies such as soap, hand sanitizers that contain at least 60 percent alcohol, tissues, disinfectant wipes, no-touch trash cans and face masks that will be distributed on-site. Mak…
- Educate staff members and attendees as to when they should stay home.
- Establish flexible refund policies for anyone who falls ill, must care for a sick household member or is at high risk of contracting Covid-19 and can no longer attend the event.
- Gather supplies such as soap, hand sanitizers that contain at least 60 percent alcohol, tissues, disinfectant wipes, no-touch trash cans and face masks that will be distributed on-site. Make sure b…
- Meet with the venue’s emergency operations coordinator or planning team. Discuss their emergency protocol and develop a contingency plan that addresses various coronavirus-related scenarios that co…
During The Event
- Stay informed and closely follow all coronavirus-related news and updates. Pay particular attention to developments in the local area.
- Share frequent updates with employees, participants, partners and more. Promote preventive resources and address any concerns.
- Stagger and limit attendance times to reduce the number of guests in the venue at one time.
- Stay informed and closely follow all coronavirus-related news and updates. Pay particular attention to developments in the local area.
- Share frequent updates with employees, participants, partners and more. Promote preventive resources and address any concerns.
- Stagger and limit attendance times to reduce the number of guests in the venue at one time.
- Conduct daily temperature screenings and/or health checks of employees and guests.
After The Event
- Hold a post-event meeting with the venue’s emergency operations coordinator or planning team to discuss lessons learned. Ask participants, partners and staff to share additional feedback.
- Look for new agencies and partners who can help improve future plans.
- Continue to monitor emergency preparedness resources and training.
Cleanliness Guidelines
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Cleaning and disinfection can help reduce the risk of exposure to Covid-19 and are key to reopening public spaces, according to the CDC. The organization has issued reopening guidelines for how to properly clean public spaces, including what the appropriate disinfectants are and how frequently surfaces should be cleaned. The guidelines can be viewed in full here.