With some states beginning to reopen, many individuals and businesses have begun asking, can we hold social or business events? How do we keep everyone safe? This article summarizes some of the guidance issued by the state of Minnesota regarding planning and holding social events during the COVID-19 pandemic.
For event organizers:
- Generally, some social and business events are allowed, but any large events and gatherings with over 250 people are still not permitted.
- For indoor social events, the capacity is 10 people in Minnesota.
- For outdoor social events, the capacity is 25 people for social events.
- Business events do not currently have a capacity limit, although certain third-party venues may have capacity limits or other restrictions. Event organizers are still strongly encouraged to maintain the capacity limits applicable to indoor and outdoor social events.
- Businesses holding events must have a Preparedness Plan (see mn.gov for more information).
- Masks and face coverings must be worn in all indoor spaces and indoor businesses.
- In outside spaces, face coverings may not be required in all spaces, but are strongly recommended for all participants.
- For vehicle events:
- businesses are encouraged to have a traffic flow plan for vehicles entering and exiting.
- Vehicles should be positioned 6 feet apart
- And protocols should be posted for individuals in high traffic areas such as restrooms.
- Speakers at events should be limited, and shared microphones between speakers is discouraged
- When providing concession stands at an event, event organizers should use markers to ensure 6 feet social distancing, and also have curbside concessions at entry to minimize crowding at the concession stand.
- Event organizers should use remote payment systems when possible, and serve prepackaged food when possible.
- Speakers and bands should maintain social distancing during performances.
- Workers at events should be screened for symptoms of COVID-19.
- Event organizers should use markers to maintain 6 feet of social distancing in high traffic areas like bathrooms.
- Event organizers should provide hand sanitizer and/or soap and water. Use of touchless paper towel dispensers is encouraged.
- Restrooms and high traffic areas should be cleaned frequently.
- During ceremonies, participants should avoid passing objects between vehicles, and use arm claws or other mechanism to maintain social distancing between the organizer and attendees.
- The state of Minnesota continues to encourage organizers to hold events virtually or in vehicles where possible.
For event participants:
- Participants should continue to attend events virtually to the extent possible
- If attention an event in a vehicle, only members of the same household should be in the vehicle.
- Participants should avoid using restrooms and other shared facilities.
- Participants must obey face covering requirements, including wearing face coverings in indoor businesses and public spaces.
- Face coverings may be temporarily removed while eating/ drinking if apart from other members of other households.
- Participants should use pickup services and touchless payment systems when possible.
- Participants should maintain 6 feet of distance at all times.
Virtus Law, PLLC continues to monitor developments in this (and other COVID-19 areas) and will continue to post relevant updates to this website.