1.      How big does an event need to be a mass gathering?

Mass gatherings can be a high profile international event and an international religious event. On the other hand, lower-profile events can also be a mass gathering. An event is considered a mass gathering if the number of people it brings is so large. You need to consider the place and length of time and the number of people.

2.      What things can we do to lessen the risk of catching the disease?

Promote social or physical distancing, respiratory hygiene, and proper handwashing at the event. Make sure to have the contact details of all participants in case of an emergency. It includes where they are staying during the event. Make it clear to them that this information will be shared with the local health authorities. It is for future contact tracing if there are any participants who become ill with COVID-19. The organizers of the event need to prepare with a plan in case there are one or more participants become ill. It must include the rapid isolation of the infected person and the safe transfer to a local health facility.

3.      Must event organizers organize a screening at locations beyond the requirement for point of entry?

It is not an effective method to stop the international spread by temperature screening at entry or exit. Since the infected person might be in the incubation period, it may not show obvious symptoms early. It is extra effective to be responsible for preventative reference messages to travelers. You also need to gather health statements at the entrance. It should be along with the contact details of travelers for a possible contact tracing. Some further screening surveys for involvement must be associated with public health organizations in the authority.

4.      Should event organizers provide tests for COVID-19?

The tests should be conducted by national and local health providers. Anyone who is not feeling well or symptomatic must not be allowed to participate in the event. Make a close collaboration with local public health authorities before the event. It is to facilitate testing for officials, athletes, participants, or spectators who meet pre-agrees suspect cases definition.

5.      What are some risks of public transport going to the venue?

The additional risk from members as well as the audiences traveling on public transport might not be important compared to the risk of using transport all the time. If physical distancing is not possible on public transport, the risk of being infected will remain at its level.

6.      What if the organizations cannot assess the risk of COVID-19 to their mass gathering?

The national and local health authorities in your community where you organized to have the gathering will probably know how to make a health risk assessment. If there are health officials, they may also be able to provide some expert support. Ask for guidelines and bits of advice on how to prevent from being infected, how to help avoid spreading the virus, and what you can do to help at the mass gathering that you’ll be attending.