As Guernsey moves into Stage 3 of the exit from lockdown on Monday 22 March 2021, the Civil Contingencies Authority has decided that organisers of large indoor events will be asked to keep a record of those in attendance and take into account the following Public Health guidance:
- Hand sanitiser or hand washing facilities are readily available;
- The indoor space is well ventilated;
- People who are unwell or showing symptoms of COVID-19 are asked not to attend and instead immediately call the clinical helpline;
- People respect each other’s personal space;
- Face coverings are optional.
Good hygiene practices are key to preventing the spread of any virus, including Covid-19. Large indoor events include, but are not limited to churches gatherings, indoor sporting events, conferences – essentially anything likely to involve more than 100 people at any given time in one vicinity.
The CCA is also asking hospitality businesses, especially nightclubs and pubs that may have more than 100 customers on their premises at any one time, to follow this guidance. But it does not expect other businesses or organisations (i.e. retail, office-based work, educational settings) to do so.
There will be no formal registration system but the CCA is asking the community to work together and keep Islanders safe by adhering to the guidance. The CCA is confident that those organising large events or welcoming large numbers of customers to their pub or nightclub venues will be responsible in following the guidance, and it will continue to review the guidance to see if any changes are required going forward.
These guidelines are likely to remain in place until at least the end of April 2021.
This recommendation does not apply to outdoor events, however, organisers of large outdoor events may also want to consider the public health guidance regarding hygiene measures to mitigate against any Covid-19 related risks.
Deputy Peter Ferbrache, Chair of the Civil Contingencies Authority said: “We’ve considered what’s appropriate and proportionate for large gatherings in Stage 3, and we have decided that providing this guidance is the right approach.
“We’ve also aimed the guidance principally at large indoor events and we’ve looked to include pubs and nightclubs too. This reflects the kinds of places and situations where the virus is more likely to spread. Encouragingly we’re aware that many pub and nightclub businesses are already putting in place what they need to properly record attendees; some are even applying technology such as dedicated apps to do this, so the signs are that industry is already taking the right precautions”.
