Travel to Large Gatherings

Travel may increase your chance of spreading and getting COVID-19 due to exposure at airports, on public transit, or in hotels. CDC continues to recommend postponing travel and staying home, as this is currently the best way to protect yourself and others.

If you are considering traveling, visit  Domestic Travel during the COVID-19 Pandemic to help you decide what is best for you and your family.

Steps to Take When Attending Large Gatherings or Events

Image of two couples outside watching a movie

If you do attend a large gathering, events and activities held outdoors are safer than indoor gatherings.

  • Stay home if you are sick or have been near someone who thinks they may have or have been exposed to COVID-19.
  • It’s okay if you decide to stay home and remain apart from others. Do what’s best for you.

Know public safety measures in place at the venue

  • Check with the organizer or event venue for updated information about any COVID-19 safety guidelines and if they have steps in place to prevent the spread of the virus.
  • Choose events that use staggered entry and attendance times.
  • Choose events that take place outside with enough space for attendees to stay at least 6 feet apart.
  • Use touchless payment methods and ticketing apps. If not possible, exchange cash, card or tickets by placing payment in a receipt tray, if available, or on the counter.

Wear a mask

  • Wear a mask with two or more layers to keep from getting or spreading COVID-19.
  • Wear your mask over your nose and mouth, secure it under your chin, and make sure it fits snugly against the sides of your face.
  • In cold weather, wear your mask under your scarf, gaiter, ski mask, or balaclava.
  • Keep a spare mask in case your mask becomes wet from moisture in your breath or from snow or rain.
Image of people sitting on the lawn during a park concert

Stay at least 6 feet away from others who do not live with you

  • You are more likely to get or spread COVID-19 when you are in close contact with people who don’t live with you.
  • Remember that people without symptoms or with a recent negative test result can still spread COVID-19 to others.
  • Choose venues that limit seating and allow for social distancing. Outdoor venues are safer.
  • Select seating or determine where to stand based on the ability to keep 6 feet of space from people who don’t live in your household, especially if you will be eating or drinking.
  • Arrive to the event early or at off-peak times to avoid crowding and congested areas.
  • Avoid using restroom facilities or concession areas at high traffic times, such as intermission, half-time, or immediately after the event.
image of two cars parked outside a park

Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated indoor spaces

  • As much as possible, avoid crowds and indoor spaces that do not offer fresh air from the outdoors.
  • You are less likely to get or spread COVID-19 during outdoor activities. Look for seating options that are outside or have proper ventilation with outdoor air, such as tents that have open doors or rolled up sides.

Wash your hands

  • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing and before eating.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Bring extra hand sanitizer with you.

Follow food safety measures

  • Eat outdoors, if possible. You are less likely to get or spread COVID-19 during outdoor activities.
  • Wear masks at all times except when you are actively eating or drinking. Masks help protect both you and those around you.
  • Limit alcohol consumption. Consuming alcohol may make you less likely to follow COVID-19 safety measures.
  • Minimize the time you spend in the restaurant, bar or concession area. The longer you stay, the more you increase your risk.
  • Bring your own food, drinks, plates, cups, utensils, and condiment packets, if possible.
  • Use single-use options, like salad dressing and condiment packets, and disposable items like food containers, plates, and utensils.
  • Avoid self-serve and buffet style food options.
  • Use a touchless garbage can, if available.

Get Your Flu and COVID-19 Shots

  • Get your flu and COVID-19 shots as soon as possible.
    • Do not get the shots at the same time. Get them at least 14 days apart.
  • The flu shot can help protect you and your family, friends, and community from getting and spreading flu.
  • By getting a flu shot, you can also help lower hospital visits and serious health problems from flu.

The more of these prevention measures that you put in place, the safer you will be at the gathering. No one measure is enough to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

What to do if You Become Sick After Attending a Large Gathering

  • Get tested for COVID-19. You can visit your state or health department’s website to look for the latest local information on testing.
  • Know when to quarantine. Attending a large gathering or event increases your chance of being in close contact with people outside your household and being exposed to COVID-19. If you had close contact with people you don’t live with:
    • Stay home for 14 days after your last contact with a person who has COVID-19.
    • Watch for fever (100.4°F), cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19.
    • If possible, stay away from others, especially people who are at higher risk for getting very sick from COVID-19.
Image of a young man sitting on the couch on a video call and watching tv

Choose Safer Large Gatherings
The safest way to enjoy large gathering and events is at home with the people you live with. Here are some safe ways to enjoy events:

  • Attend a virtual concert or show with friends and family
  • Host a virtual family party or reunion
  • Watch a sporting event with people you live with
  • Attend online conferences instead of in person events
  • Attend a drive-In event
  • Attend a virtual religious ceremony or celebration



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