Guidance for Mass Gatherings

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) and the seven local public health districts have developed guidance to assist with decisions regarding gatherings and public events during the COVID-19 pandemic and stages of the Rebound Idaho plan. They understand that events must be planned well in
advance and some event timelines extend beyond the current Stage 4 of the Rebound Idaho plan. Idaho’s ability to advance from one stage to the next is dependent on gating criteria being met, which requires control of the spread of COVID-19.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. Until such time as a vaccine is available or there is sufficient population immunity to the virus, community mitigation and personal accountability measures must be taken. Mass gatherings highly influence virus activity. It is recommended that all future plans for gatherings beyond the stages of the Rebound Idaho plan should be planned with cancellation or postponement contingencies. Idaho public health experts, DHW and all local Public Health Districts, will support any decision to postpone or cancel gatherings and public events in order to protect Idahoans and those who visit Idaho.

For the purpose of this guidance, mass gatherings and events are defined as a public gathering for business, social, academic or recreational activities including, but not limited to, community, civic, public, educational, leisure, or sporting events; parades; concerts; festivals; conventions; fundraisers; and similar activities. Specific examples may include, but are not limited to, weddings, graduations, large theater performances, rallies, car shows, reunions, races, holiday celebrations, rodeo championships, adult and youth sports tournaments.

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