Following the revised guidelines effect of 14th September 2021, new standards for safer organised controlled events, taking place within an enclosed area, have been issued. Such standards are merely applicable for small organised controlled events, including; artistic, cultural, theatre, dance and music performances, corporate events (such as award nights, conferences, AGMs and more), and sport related events, whereby solely fully-vaccinated individuals shall be allowed entry into these events. Such is facilitated by means of a valid vaccination certificate. As from Monday 19th July, the initial set capping increased from 100 to 150 individuals, which increased to 200 on the 2nd of August. The guidelines lay out all of the requirements that are to be adhere to throughout the organisation of such events, which are to be seated, as well as how the organisers are to deal with guests.
Each and every event must have a designated named organised who is responsible, and the Malta Tourism Authority must approve such. At least ten days before the event, a risk assessment must be provided. Authorised officers have the authority to inspect all events, and prior booking, reservation, tickets, and registration is required for all events. Prior to the event, each and every invitation is required confirmation of participation. The sale of tickets at the entrance of the event’s establishment is prohibited, and admission will be granted solely on the basis of the presentation of a valid vaccination certificate which has been deemed valid by the organisers. A valid vaccination certification is as well required for all venue employees, performers, and technical team.
Staff and attendees will have their temperatures taken at the establishment’s entrance in order to check whether the individuals have a fever, and that such temperature is not higher than 27.2 o C, whose entry will be denied. Attendees who appear ill may be ask to leave by the organisers. Hand sanitisers are required to be available at the entrances in order for attendees to use, and the number of individuals who can attend is curbed to an individual for every four square meters. The organisers must make certain that there are no onlooking areas where individuals can gather in order to regard the event. Residential properties, such as leased residential property, are not permitted to hot events.
Entry into and exit from the premises is to be controlled by scheduled entry and exit timings, with suitable crowd management techniques used as needed, to ensure that crowds outside the enclosed establishment are kept to a minimum. Dancing and attendees mixing is not allowed, and all events will be seats whereby no breaks or intermissions are allowed. Masks are to be worn at all times and solely removed during the consumption of food or drinks. Within the event sectors, smoking is not permitted. Buffets or stand-up bars are not permitted, and food can be merely provided to seated customers. While on the grounds, staff and attendees must be wearing masks, or visors, at all times.
Except in the case of members from the same household, audiences must be situated in such a way that each and every seated group keeps a social distance of at least 2 metres from respective seated groups. In this instance, no more than six people within a group shall be allowed to sit together. Except for those from the corresponding household, no more than six people can be seated around a table. Between performers and attendees, a minimum of 2 metres must be maintained. Except while entering, and exiting the establishment, or going to the restrooms, each attendee is to be seated. Security professionals are required by the organisers in order to ensure that attendees remain seated and to deal with any issue which may arise. Cleaning and disinfecting of all communal areas of the premises are to be done on a regular basis. Attendee contact information must be preserved for up to 28 days following the termination of the event.
Moreover, with affect from the 6th of September, stand-up events were given the go-ahead whereby such are able to be held with a capping of 100 vaccinated individuals. These events are to take place in open air spaces of at least 200 square metres, and all attendees are obliged to wear masks. Moreover, as of 13th September, stand-up events with the corresponding protocols are able to be held indoors as well.
Additionally, on the 2nd of September, two pilot events were announced whereby such will serve as a blue print assessment with the intention of easing restrictions in the future. Such events could be attended by up to 300 individuals, as long as they are vaccinated and wearing a mask, though they are required to undergo a PCR test five to seen days following the event. In virtue of the fact that such events are privately organised, the organisers have the right to refuse entry following a temperature check.
Author: Maila Cimino
