Attending a function or event involves a larger number of people, a greater likelihood of close contact between participants, lots of loud talking, singing, etc.
The risk of transmission of infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus
By strictly following the instructions below, the risk of transmission of the virus can be reduced, but not completely eliminated.
Employees and visitors at the event should be in good health. It is important that they do not suffer from the following symptoms and signs: Fever, stuffy nose/tears, sneezing, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, headache, muscle aches, diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, altered sense of smell and/or taste, unusual fatigue, conjunctivitis in mild and severe forms.
SARS-CoV-2 virus is most commonly transmitted through respiratory secretions between people who are close to each other, through the air, or through contaminated hands.
It is important to follow recommendations for ventilating the room and maintaining as much interpersonal distance, hand hygiene, and cough hygiene as possible.
The virus is released into the environment through sneezing, coughing and loud talking, so the recommended distance between people is at least 1.5 meters. If this distance is lesser, the risk of infection is greater.
Sneezing, coughing, or touching surfaces or objects directly with contaminated hands will spread the virus to various objects and surfaces, such as tables, countertops, doorknobs, handles, fences, money, etc. Other people can become infected if they touch these contaminated surfaces and then touch their eyes, nose or mouth without washing their hands first. Therefore, we always consider hands contaminated, with the only exception immediately after washing or disinfecting hands.
By following all of the above measures, we reduce the possibility of transmitting infectious agents and thus protect ourselves and others. Each individual is responsible for the proper implementation of self-protection measures.
MEASURES WE TAKE IN PHASE 1
This is an epidemiologic situation in which the version of SARS-CoV-2 is prevalent, spreading rapidly in all populations and not causing a more severe course requiring hospitalization in most patients. The goal of the measures is to protect vulnerable populations to prevent the increase of severe (difficult) forms of the disease. Measures are recommended to limit the spread of SARS-CoV-2 but do not significantly affect the daily lives of most people (ventilation, isolation of those with the disease, vaccination against Covid-19 with emphasis on vaccinating vulnerable groups, use of protective masks in environments where many people are in close quarters – especially recommended for vulnerable populations). Visitors at higher risk for severe disease progression.
For individuals at higher risk for severe disease progression, attendance at mass gatherings, especially indoors, is not recommended. If attending, all available protective measures should be taken (proper use of effective masks, vaccination, maintaining interpersonal distance).
Self-protective behavior
The goal of self-protection is to protect oneself and others from infection. It is important for employees as well as contractors and visitors. Safe and responsible behavior is especially important when we belong to or are in contact with vulnerable people (elderly, people with multiple chronic diseases, oncology patients undergoing immunotherapy or chemotherapy, people with known immunodeficiency, frail people…).
We recommend:
- All attendees: employees, performers, and event attendees should be healthy without the following symptoms and signs: Fever, stuffy nose/runny nose, sneezing, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, headache, muscle aches, diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, altered sense of smell and/or taste, unusual fatigue, conjunctivitis in mild and severe forms. If they experience these signs, they should stay home. If the signs occur during the event, they should immediately wear a protective mask (if they do not have one at the time the signs occur) and leave the event as soon as possible.
- Attendees should maintain the greatest possible distance between people.
- Attendees should maintain good hand hygiene by washing or disinfecting their hands frequently https://www.nijz.si/sites/www.nijz.si/files/uploaded/navodila_higiena-rok_zdravstveni-delavci.pdf
- Participants should not touch their face, especially mouth, nose, and eyes, until they have washed or disinfected their hands.
- Participants should observe sneezing and coughing hygiene.
- We advise attendees at events or events in an enclosed space to wear masks, especially if they belong to vulnerable groups. They should also wear masks if it is not possible to maintain interpersonal distance. Outdoors, masks are recommended only when it is not possible to maintain adequate interpersonal distance between participants. The mask must fit properly and should extend from the bridge of the nose to below the chin when worn 4 no person should touch it. It should be changed every two to three hours, or sooner if it becomes wet. They should wash or disinfect their hands thoroughly before putting on the mask and after use
Ensure hygienic and technical conditions to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
The maximum number of visitors in the room should be adapted to the area of the room so that the greatest possible interpersonal distance can be maintained. As far as organizational possibilities allow, entrances and exits should be separated.
- If the event takes place indoors, the premises must be continuously and efficiently ventilated. If there are breaks in the performance, for example, there should also be effective ventilation during the breaks. More detailed instructions on how to carry out ventilation and how to use ventilation systems safely can be found in the expert opinion on ventilation expert_opinion_glede_prezracevanja_za_namen_precevanja.pdf (nijz.si).
- It should be possible to wash and disinfect the hands of employees and disinfect the hands of visitors. Disinfectant dispensers should be placed at the entrance and, depending on the size of the rooms, in several visible places in the room and at the exits. Multiple disinfectant dispensers should be placed for visitors, and be sure to place them at the entrance and at the exit, and in such a way that they are accessible from a wheelchair.
- Before and after the end of each event, all surfaces with which visitors have come into direct contact must be cleaned/disinfected (armrests, doors, handles, counters…).
- For cleaning and disinfecting the premises, the instructions from the document Recommendations for Cleaning and Disinfecting Premises Outside Medical Facilities during the Covid 19 Epidemic should be used judiciously:
MEASURES TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF SARS -CoV-2 THAT WE ARE TAKING INTO PHASE 2
If the epidemiological situation worsens, additional measures will be taken to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 if the basic measures are implemented consistently. This is an epidemiological situation with the predominance of the SARS-CoV-2 variant, which spreads rapidly and causes more severe forms of Covid-19 in such a high proportion that without additional public health measures, there would be an overload of the health system at all levels. The goal of public health interventions is to reduce the number of ill persons, severe infections, and deaths, reduce the negative impact on the health care system, and ensure the sustainability of the health care system.
RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING SELF-PROTECTIVE BEHAVIOR AND WARNING TO VISITORS AT HIGHER RISK FOR SEVERE DISEASE COURSE: SAME AS PHASE 1
Ensure hygienic and technical conditions to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
- It is essential to adjust the maximum number of visitors in the room to the area of the room so that an interpersonal distance of at least 1.5 m can be maintained between visitors.
- Employees should supervise the access of visitors to and from the event so that a sufficient interpersonal distance of 1.5 m between visitors is ensured. For this purpose, the use of floor markings and directional posts with tapes is recommended to determine the direction of movement of visitors so that they do not move in the opposite direction at the same time. As far as organizational possibilities allow, additional entrances/exits should be provided, which should be separated from each other.
- If possible, the seating arrangement should be determined in advance and the seats numbered. The distance between seats should be at least 1.5 m in all directions. Staff should ensure that visitors arrive and leave safely and in accordance with hygiene recommendations.
- Visitors should enter in the order in which they first fill the spaces farther from the entrance and only then the closer spaces of the venue. Visitors should exit the venue first in the rooms closest to the exit. To avoid crowding, it is recommended that visitors also use the emergency exits for their exit. Special seating and spacing should be provided for visitors in wheelchairs and their companions.
- It should be possible to wash and disinfect the hands of staff and to disinfect the hands of visitors. Disinfectant dispensers should be located at the entrance and, depending on the size of the rooms, at several visible locations in the room and at the exits. Multiple disinfectant dispensers should be placed for visitors, and be sure to place them at the entrance and at the exit, and in such a way that they are accessible from a wheelchair.
- If the event is held indoors, the premises must be continuously and efficiently ventilated. For example, if there are breaks in the performance, effective ventilation should also be provided during the breaks.
At an event where breaks are scheduled, we recommend that they be as long as possible to avoid crowding when using the restroom facilities.
- Service providers should ensure that restrooms are cleaned and disinfected at least hourly or that the frequency of visits is adjusted. We recommend that established procedures for cleaning restrooms be considered when cleaning and disinfecting restrooms to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- If food/beverages are provided at the event, it is not recommended to use a self-service food or beverage service, such as buffets and salad bars. Floor markers should be provided for patrons to keep attendees in line while they wait to order or 6
If possible, food should be served at tables far enough apart to maintain a safe distance between people. – Before and after each event, all surfaces that patrons have come in direct contact with must be cleaned/disinfected (e.g., armrests, doors, handles, counters…). - For cleaning and disinfecting spaces, the instructions from the document Recommendations for Cleaning and Disinfecting Spaces Outside of Healthcare Institutions during the Covid 19 Epidemic should be used judiciously: https://www.nijz.si/sl/navodila-za-ciscenje-in-razkuzevanje -spaces-outside-of-the-healthcare-institutions-in-which-he-stayed.
- We recommend contactless business transactions (making reservations, purchasing tickets online, registering when entering the hall).
- Notices about protective measures to prevent transmission and spread of SARS-CoV-2 (posters, infographics, etc.) should be posted in several visible locations.