Did you find this answer helpful? Subscribe to keep up with all things Lifelong Learning.
Hi, I had a general question about attending events during the COVID-19 pandemic and could not find an answer on the internet. Would it be possible for you to direct my question to an expert or provide some reliable resources for me to answer my question? I am deciding whether I feel comfortable going to various large gatherings/events indoors and outdoors over the next few months as a fully vaccinated individual. Are events that require full vaccination or a recent negative COVID test safer or less safe than events that require masks for all attendees, regardless of vaccination or testing status? For example, many hockey teams have mandated that all fans must be either fully vaccinated or must show a recent negative test. Some other teams have decided to mandate masks for all fans instead of requiring vaccines/testing. Which of these two methods would provide a safer experience for fans if I had to choose and could not require both? Does your answer change based on other aspects of the event (indoors or outdoors, sold out or poorly attended, etc.)? Thanks so much!
The best practice is to “layer” multiple interventions at the same time. So, being fully vaccinated PLUS masking PLUS testing PLUS physical distancing when possible is the best practice. It’s like a knight preparing for battle and choosing what armor to wear…would you just wear the helmet and not wear the gauntlets, chest armor, nor shield? It’s the whole thing together that makes it safest. The protection measures also can be balanced against indoors versus outdoors where being outdoors is better than being indoors.
