Since 13 June 2021, the government has once again authorised events of up to 300 people. As a result, many municipalities and other public administrations have taken the bet to organise safe gatherings. And the bet has paid off—thanks to strict adherence to a safety protocol. But what does that involve? How can you organise a healthy, in-person event at a time when everyone is eager to come together again and forget—if only briefly—this pandemic that has lasted over a year? Here’s an overview of the necessary measures and some tips for applying them effectively.
Covid Check: the flagship measure
Currently, anyone over the age of six who wants to attend an in-person event must:
- Either be vaccinated
- Or present a negative PCR test less than 72 hours old
- Or present a certificate proving recovery from Covid-19
- Or take a rapid test on-site, which must be negative
If the person meets one of these criteria, they are eligible to attend the event—without any further restrictions. That means no mask-wearing or social distancing is required.
To facilitate this Covid Check process, the government has launched an app that scans attendees’ QR codes, whether they are Luxembourg residents or cross-border visitors. The app also verifies the validity of certificates.
Sufficient staffing
To ensure smooth guest check-in and avoid bottlenecks at the entrance, it’s important to create two separate queues:
- One for vaccinated attendees, negative PCR tests, and recovery certificates
- Another for those taking rapid tests on-site
Therefore, a well-sized team trained in the safety protocol is essential for a quality welcome. Be careful—not all information equals training! Your staff must know the safety protocol and all its nuances inside and out. This not only ensures that the rules are respected but also helps reassure your guests.
Space management
Depending on where your event is held, controlling the physical space is key.
A “Covid Check” event must be clearly and formally defined. For example, if your guests need to walk through a corridor shared with people who are not part of the Covid Check event, they will need to wear a mask and maintain social distancing during that portion.
Staff compliance
Whether it’s a server, technician, host, or performer, everyone working at your event must also comply with the Covid Check rules. In addition, keep a separate list of all event personnel alongside your guest list—this ensures traceability if needed.
For events with more than 300 people
When we talk about events of up to 300 people, this includes all support staff: technicians, hosts, servers, etc. Only performers on stage and kitchen staff are excluded from this count.
As of now, events with more than 300 people (up to 2,000) are not prohibited. However, you must submit your health and safety protocol to the Ministry of Health for approval. It is highly recommended to complete this step before sending out your “Save the Date” to avoid having to cancel if approval is denied.
Organising a safe event isn’t particularly complicated once the health protocol is well understood and strictly applied by everyone involved. To achieve this, the protocol must be formalised—and most importantly, you should work with experts who can guide and advise you to ensure your event is a safe and successful one.