Gatherings, sports and community events

The state’s interim advisory guidance is posted on the Reopen Alaska Responsibly website.

• Alaska’s lead doctors strongly recommend wearing masks while playing sports, exercising
  October 23, 2020
  

Conversations occur the first and third Monday of the month at 2 pm:

• Zoom meeting: Gatherings, sports and community events
  Join by phone: Find your local number
  Press *6 to mute your line when not speaking
  Meeting ID: 979 9855 9240
  

Upcoming ECHO webinars

• Monday October 26, 2020 at 2 pm:
  Panel discussion: Mitigation Measures for Dog Sled Racing
  Join the discussion with representatives from the Iditarod, Kuskokwim 300, Yukon Quest and public health experts in exploring mitigation measures for the upcoming sled dog races. Interested participants may include other competitive or recreational sled dog racers, community members that host race volunteers, members of communities that are included on the race trails, other outdoor winter sports organizers, or organizers of multinational events (Alaska and Canada).

Recordings of past ECHO webinars

• Recorded webinar discussing the importance of Alaska’s youth athletes wearing masks while they practice and compete
  October 5, 2020
  
• Recorded webinar review mitigation plans for multiple sports (baseball, biathlon, swimming, xc running, etc)
  September 21, 2020
  
• Recorded webinar about holding school recess and hosting swimming competitions
  August 17, 2020
  
• Recorded webinar for coaches about positive cases or close contacts amongst players or family members
  August 3, 2020
  
• Recorded webinar reviewing mitigation plans for Alaska State fairgrounds
  July 27, 2020
  
• Recorded webinar with organizers of Alaska running races
  July 20, 2020
  
• Recorded webinar about considerations for coaches and others organizing youth sports, physical activities, practices and events
  July 13, 2020
  
• Recorded webinar CDC Planning Considerations for Events and Gatherings
  June 29, 2020
• Recorded webinar to explore indoor events by using the emergency shelters as an example because they have a great deal in common with indoor events such as conferences, trade shows and concerts
  June 29, 2020
• Recorded webinar with Alaska musician Kat Moore and national event organizers Steven A. Adelman, Vice President of Event Safety Alliance
  June 22, 2020
• Recorded webinar were we discussed mitigation strategies with event organizers in Alaska communities planning for 4th of July celebrations and Fairbanks Golden Days
  June 15, 2020
• Should you attend that party or community event? State of Alaska shares recommendations for summer gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic
  June 4, 2020
  
• Large Gatherings and Community Events in Alaska
  Advisory document, Phase III-IV
  May 29, 2020
• Recorded webinar with Drs. Zink and McLaughlin and stakeholders about large gatherings and community events
  May 29, 2020

CDC guidance

What Alaskans need to know

• You do not need to ask the state permission to host a gathering. The state is not approving/disapproving gatherings.

• Every event should develop a plan to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 transmission. CDC has guidance to help you develop your plan.

• Event planners should always consult with the local community where they hope to conduct an event; some communities may have restrictions or application requirements for events.

• Event planners working on similar types of events (e.g., sports, parades, concerts) are strongly encouraged to work collaboratively to share ideas and develop plans. The state is helping facilitate these working sessions and you’ll be notified when they occur by joining the listserv.

Connect with other event organizers 

There is a state Gatherings and Community Events listserv you can join to connect organizers of events including concerts (indoor and outdoor), recreational events (running competitions), other sports events including tournaments, sports games with spectators, fairs and festivals, parades, free concerts in the park, etc. The listserv will be used to distribute information, resources and announce opportunities for facilitated discussion between organizers of gathering and community events during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Who should attend?

Alaska organizers of concerts (indoor and outdoor), recreational events (running competitions), other sports events including tournaments, sports games with spectators, fairs and festivals, parades, free concerts in the park, conventions, etc.

How does it work?

At no cost to participants, Project ECHO creates a virtual learning network with real-time access to a team of experts. Each session features a brief lecture and an interactive discussion via Zoom videoconferencing:

• Visit the shared Box folder for the lecture slides, ECHO recordings, and additional resources

For more information about the calls, please contact echo@alaskachd.org or Karol.fink@alaska.gov

More resources

• Two metres or one: what is the evidence for physical distancing in covid-19?
  
• COVID-19 Event Risk Assessment Tool
• Risk for severe illness from COVID-19 increases with age
• People of any age with these conditions are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19
  
• Indoor Air and COVID-19: Considerations for ventilation in the COVID-19 pandemic
• State of Alaska free Social media toolkit and downloads to share

For more information

For more information or additional guidance, please contact:
Karol Fink, MS, RDN
State of Alaska, State Contact for Gatherings and Events during COVID-19
907-310-8721
Karol.Fink@Alaska.gov