The World Health Organization issued new guidelines for outdoor events and mass gatherings. Here is what you need to know.
This new version now states that there are different types of mass gatherings, acknowledging a differentiation between organized and spontaneous gatherings - something the industry had been advocating for. It also lists "Conferences and exhibitions" as examples of types of organised mass gatherings.
The document also explicitly states: "Since mass gatherings have substantial political, cultural, social, and *economic* implications, authorities should assess the importance and necessity of an event."
The general guidance is to assess and "consider the option that it may take place", providing a framework of actions to be taken before, during, and after an event.
Here are the key points:
Mass gatherings are still seen as cause for virus spread.
Contagion levels dictate the need for event
Risk Assessment is key - the WHO have provided this Risk Assessment tool:
The full guidance can be downloaded from here: https://www.who.int/publications-detail/key-planning-recommendations-for-mass-gatherings-in-the-context-of-the-current-covid-19-outbreak