Understanding COVID-19 Protocols for Music Festivals in 2022.

Depending on the country the current restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic appear to vary widely. From fully open to fully closed it is a confusing time for music festival organisers and ticket buyers to fully understand. Keeping up to date on the COVID-19 protocol status and communicating this in a succinct and clear manner is going to be crucial for the 2022 festival season.

With some governments seemingly flip-flopping policies regarding restrictions and protocols it can be difficult to keep up with any requirements for the live events sector. Some countries in Europe are going with the endemic status and removing all restrictions, however, in Asia, Australia and New Zealand governments are still pursuing a zero COVID-19 case policy meaning tight restrictions remain. Here is a quick summary of restrictions relevant to live events in place in the UK and New Zealand for example:

England.

• Venues can choose to ask people to show an NHS Covid Pass.
• Requirements for face coverings have largely been removed except health and care settings some shops and public transport in London.  

Scotland.

• A Covid certification scheme is in place for venues including nightclubs, meaning people must provide proof of their vaccination status or a recent negative test.
• Face coverings are compulsory on public transport and most indoor spaces, including shops and secondary schools along with a 2m distancing rule in healthcare settings  

Wales.

• NHS Covid Pass is needed for entry to cinemas, theatres and concert halls, and many events.
• Compulsory face coverings in schools, on public transport, and in shops and hospitals  

New Zealand.
In New Zealand they use a traffic light system and currently this is set at Red, this is not a full lockdown, but there are restrictions to slow the spread of COVID-19. 

• Face masks are mandatory for public venues.
• Entry to cafes and bars, attend gatherings and events requires use of the ‘My Vaccine Pass’
• There are capacity limits and distancing requirements at some venues and scanning QR codes and recordkeeping where people go is still required.  

The current restrictions in New Zealand have caused almost all events in January, February and March to be cancelled. Whist they were permitted to proceed the capacity and social distancing restrictions were too much to make the festivals financially viable. This is the peak season for summer festivals in New Zealand and there could be long term implications for this vibrant sector.

Most music festival organisers in the UK have clearly communicated their COVID-19 protocols and entry requirements for events taking place in 2022. Many of these are based on those that were in place in 2021 including entry requirements (NHS Covid pass) plus social distancing and face coverings. With government policies changing regularly organisers should try and keep their information up to date on websites and social media to ensure that festival-goers are fully informed.

For festival organisers planning their events using a software management platform like Festival Pro gives them all the functionality they need manage every aspect of their event logistics. The guys who are responsible for this software have been in the front line of event management for many years and the features are built from that experience and are performance artists themselves. The Festival Pro platform is easy to use and has comprehensive features with specific modules for managing artists, contractors, venues/stages, vendors, volunteers, sponsors, guestlists, ticketing, cashless payments and contactless ordering.

Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

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