Gatherings, sports and community events
The state’s interim advisory guidance is posted on the Reopen Alaska Responsibly website.
Request Assistance
COVID-19 Mitigation Advisors are available to help you make decisions about hosting your events, gatherings or sporting competitions. Advisors have access to the most current best-practices on developing a mitigation strategy. There is no charge for this service.
Upcoming ECHO webinars
Conversations occur the first and third Monday of the month at 2 pm:
- Monday December 7, 2020 at 2 pm:
Panel discussion: Hosting non-profit events virtually
Monday's ECHO will host a panel discussing best practices and lessons learned in hosting non-profit events virtually. The panel will feature Deantha Skibinski from the Alaska Miners Association, Charissa Habeger from the American Cancer Society (Alaska) and Sherri Reddick from the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra. Panelists will share their recent experience hosting virtual events as an alternative to meeting in person. The meeting will end with an introduction to the Plan Safer Events project which will provide Alaskans with resources to consider when hosting events during the pandemic.
Recordings of past ECHO webinars
- Listen to several event organizers discuss their successful virtual events. Plus an overview of the Plan Safer Events project
November 16, 2020
- Listen Alaska’s top health professionals discuss holiday gatherings and travel
November 2, 2020
- Listen to CDC discuss Healthy, Happy Holidays - Fall Travel and Gathering Guidance
October 26, 2020
- Listen how Alaska's Iditarod and Kuskokwim 300 dog sled races are planning a safer event during the pandemic.
October 26, 2020
- Tips from Dr. Zink for celebrating the holidays in a pandemic
October 17, 2020
- Watch Dr. Zink’s talk about planning safer holiday events, family gatherings and more (Starts at minute 40:00)
October 17, 2020
- 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 and other guidance
The CDC offers this guidance:
American Academy of Pediatrics issued updated COVID-19
Interim 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.
- Alaska’s lead doctors strongly recommend wearing masks while playing sports, exercising
October 23, 2020
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:
For more information about the calls, please contact echo@alaskachd.org or Karol.fink@alaska.gov
More resources
For more information
Please contact:
or
Karol Fink, MS, RDN
State of Alaska, State Contact for Gatherings and Events during COVID-19
907-310-8721
Karol.Fink@Alaska.gov