Parties and gatherings are an essential part of maintaining social connections. Whether with family members, a corporate setting, or personal intimate events, coming together to celebrate has been a significant part of human culture. But, since last year, the pandemic put most of these events on hold. And as we look forward to another year, the outlook is still not as positive as expected. The UK, for instance, has once again initiated a lockdown to prevent the further spread of the infection.
The events industry is the hardest hit
The pandemic has impacted the events and hospitality business the most. And with the recent restrictions, many can’t help but ask whether or not their plans to host parties will still be put on hold. Also, event providers are concerned that business will be slow once again. Caterers, events rental spaces, fairground stall hire services, restaurants, and hotels, are all hoping for things to get better soon. Of course, there are still possibilities to drum up business despite the current situation, albeit on a very small scale.
What events can you hold during the lockdown?
The UK government categorised lockdown guidelines into four tiers. These guidelines will be updated every 15 days depending on the severity of the situation. Across all tiers, social distancing guidelines must be followed – hence the difficulty of holding public gatherings. If you have a wedding coming up, it’s critical to understand that you may not be able to do so under the current circumstances. For example, if you live in Scotland, the ceremony should be attended by no more than five people.
Large business or corporate meetings, exhibits, and trade shows are all prohibited. But smaller business gatherings of no more than 30 people are permitted during tier 3 lockdown. However, when the gathering becomes an entirely social event such as a banquet, the government may take action against it.
What events are considered essential?
Despite the ongoing lockdown guidelines, there are events that are allowed across every tier. These events are as follows:
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Examinations for students of a school, university, or college.
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Holding critical training courses for work. One example is holding a training program for employees to receive formal qualifications for a specific job.
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Renting an event venue to serve as extra working space in case current business premises won’t allow the observance of social distancing between employees.
Any gathering that isn’t considered essential will be subject to the restrictions specified in each lockdown tier.
Safety during the pandemic
Although it may seem like the current pandemic is dampening social interaction and harming the events industry in general, the health and safety of the general public remains a priority. It may be tempting to hold small gatherings at home with friends and family, but remember that you could put your life and the lives of others in danger by breaching the rules. Until such a time when it’s considered safe to gather again, it’s best to stay home. Any event may be put on hold in the meantime, and only permitted when it’s considered essential and all safety rules are being followed.