Evaluation of hygiene measures at a series of mass gathering events during the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT After several months of an almost total ban on mass gathering events (MGE) due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the cultural, creative and event industry (CCEI) is trying to return to commercially viable event occupancy rates while keeping SARS-CoV-2 transmission at a low level. To support this, we assessed the suitability and feasibility of a hygiene concept during a series of regular handball matches in May and June 2021 with increasing spectator numbers by on-site observation. In addition, questionnaires were distributed to the audience at the first and last event to obtain information about the spectators’ compliance with hygiene measures, vaccination status, feeling of safety and willingness of re-attendance. Spectator's compliance with the hygiene measures was high except for the social distancing regulation. Survey respondents reported a high sense of safety and willingness to re-attend despite the pandemic situation and regardless of vaccination status or antigen test result. Hygiene stewards became an increasingly effective support over the course of the event series. In conclusion, the event series with increasing spectator numbers consolidated and optimised hygiene concept-related processes and clearly demonstrated a high level of spectator compliance with the hygiene measures, supporting full capacity events in pandemic situations in future. Abbreviations: CCEI: cultural, creative and event industry; COVID-19: coronavirus disease 2019; MGE: mass-gathering event; SARS-CoV-2: severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2; TVR certificates: antigen test, proof of vaccination or recovery certificates