When organising or attending gatherings, consider ways to reduce the risk of getting and spreading COVID-19. Take extra precautions if someone has a higher chance of developing severe illness or complications from COVID-19 (including those not up to date with their vaccinations).
If after attending a gathering you learn you have COVID, or that someone you were with had COVID, follow the COVID Checklist to help keep yourself and others safe.
Checklist for attending a gathering
Follow these steps before and while you attend a small or large gathering:
- ensure you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccination
- take a rapid antigen test if you are visiting someone who is at a high-risk of severe illness from COVID-19
- stay home if you are sick or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms
- maintain a physical distance of 1.5m from each other
- wear a face mask in a space (indoor or outdoor) where you cannot physically distance
- spend more time outdoors than indoors. Avoid poorly ventilated spaced, crowded indoor settings and prolonged contact with others
- clean your hands with soap and water regularly. Carry a hand sanitiser with you
- always cover your cough and sneeze into a tissue or a bent elbow
Checklist for hosts
This checklist is essential for hosting events or group gatherings:
- does your space/venue have ventilation? If it is an indoor gathering, have good ventilation with open doors and windows, and minimise your time to under four hours
- avoid your guests being in close contact with each other - try to create ways for people to physically distance (1.5 metres)
- do not share plates, glasses, or cutlery as this increases the risk of transmission
- keep a list of people who attended your gathering in case this is needed for contact tracing purposes
- make sure there is access to soap and water or sanitiser, especially after any physical contact with others, and before preparing, serving, and eating food
- invited guests who feel unwell should get tested and quarantine until they receive a negative result. If you wish, look into options to have them join your event virtually.