Guidance for Smaller Events & Cultural Institutions

Risk varies based on the size of an event and whether it occurs indoors or outdoors. Outdoor events and those with lower numbers of attendees pose less of a risk of transmission compared to large, indoor events. Below is a table that describes the different rules that apply based on these two event characteristics.

*A person is fully vaccinated for COVID-19 two weeks or more after they have received either: their second dose in a 2-dose series (Pfizer or Moderna), a single-dose of a 1-dose series (Johnson and Johnson/Janssen), or after finishing the primary series of a COVID-19 vaccine authorized by the World Health Organization. COVID-19 testing must be conducted on a sample taken within 1 day for an antigen test and within 2 days for a PCR test prior to entry into an event.

• Masks are strongly recommended indoors: Masks are strongly recommended, but no longer required, in most indoor public settings. The purpose of strongly recommending continued indoor masking is to prevent transmission of the virus, particularly to persons with prolonged, cumulative exposures (e.g., workers) and to persons with higher risk of illness. Businesses may choose to continue to require universal indoor masking. See general guidance for businesses & employers for details.
• Employees must be provided masks and respirators at no cost to the employee*:
  • In settings where masking is not required, employers must make available and offer well-fitting medical masks and respirators (e.g., N95, KN95, KF94) for voluntary use to employees who work indoors and have close contact with others or in vehicles with more than one person.
  • If a business chooses to maintain an indoor masking requirement, employees must be provided with a well-fitting medical mask.
  • Upon request, employers must provide all employees who work indoors or in vehicles with more than one person with the correct-size N95 respirator for voluntary use, along with basic instructions on how to use it.
  • Respirators must be replaced if they lose their tight fit or get damaged, deformed, dirty, wet, or difficult to breathe through.
  • For more information about free and low-cost PPE for businesses and organizations visit: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/docs/FreeAndLowCostPPE.pdf.

• * Some independent contractors are considered as employees under the State Labor Code. For more details, check the California Department of Industrial Relations’ Independent contractor versus employee webpage.

• Screen guests, staff, performers, and crew for symptoms[1] before they enter your venue. Instruct them not to attend if they have symptoms of COVID-19 and/or they test positive.
  • For staff, crew, and performers, have a process for screening all employees for COVID-19 symptoms. See Entry Screening.
  • For guests, ask them not to attend if they are sick, test positive and/or have been instructed to isolate.
• Those businesses that are not required to verify vaccination status or tests for attendees should consider implementing a requirement that all visitors present proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or a diagnostic test result prior to entry. See the DPH step-by-step instructions for checking vaccination status or a negative test result.

¹ COVID-19 symptoms include: fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, new loss of taste or smell, fatigue, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headache, sore throat, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea. This list does not include all possible symptoms of COVID-19.

• Establish procedures to prevent crowding among persons waiting to enter or exit an event or venue. Limiting attendance, establishing unidirectional foot traffic patterns, and timed entry or exit can help prevent crowding.
• Consider implementing timed ticketing to limit the number of visitors on-site at any given time.
• If there are exhibits or attractions inside the venue that might attract crowds of visitors, consider using staff to help direct traffic and limit access if the area becomes too crowded.
• Follow DPH Food and Beverage Service recommendations if you serve refreshments at your event. Dining outdoors is best. If indoors, it is strongly recommended that you have a separate area in your venue for drinking and dining to reduce exposure to people who are unmasked. 

• Place handwashing stations or hand sanitizer at entry and outside communal bathrooms with signage promoting use.
• Encourage frequent handwashing.
• Posters in multiple languages that remind people to wash or sanitize their hands and show how to wash their hands are available in the signage section of the Best Practices for Businesses and Employers webpage.

• HVAC Basics.
  • If your event or venue is indoors, make sure your building’s HVAC system is in good, working order. Consult your HVAC professional.
  • Use MERV 13 filters in the HVAC system, if possible.
  • Set the HVAC system to use 100% outside air during the event.
  • Determine the number of Air Changes per Hour (ACH) provided by the HVAC system in the space during the event. A range of 2-6 ACH is recommended, with the higher range needed if less outside fresh air is coming in.
• Supplement air cleaning. Add portable high-efficiency air cleaners to smaller areas with lower levels of ventilation.
• When weather and working conditions allow, when safe to do so, increase fresh outdoor air by opening windows and doors. Consider using fans to increase the effectiveness of open windows – position window fans on one side of room and direct them to blow air outward, not inward.
• Decrease indoor occupancy in areas where ventilation cannot be increased. Consider use of carbon dioxide monitors to monitor the effectiveness of your ventilation in more densely occupied indoor spaces.
• If your event is held indoors and has performers that will generate aerosols (such as singers or musicians playing wind or brass instruments) take the following steps:
  • Assess the direction of the air flow in the room to determine where the air is exiting the room. In buildings with HVAC systems, this will be the air-return vents; if doors or windows are open, check the direction that the air is flowing.
  • During performances (including rehearsals), position aerosol-generating performers closer to the locations where the air is exiting the room.
• See State Interim guidance for Ventilation, Filtration, and Air Quality in Indoor Environments.

• Assign staff to remind attendees of your venue’s COVID-19 safety policies.
• Post conspicuous signage that describes your COVID-19 safety policies to guests, including your venue’s policies related to masking and vaccination/test verification.
• Use advanced registration as much as possible so you know how many people will be on-site or at your event at any given time. Advanced registration can also help you to convey your COVID-19 safety plans to guests before they attend.
• Use your online platforms to communicate your COVID-19 safety policies to the public.
• Make sure all guests are aware of and follow the Los Angeles County Department of Health Travel Guidance.