What to do if someone becomes sick at a public event

As economies reopen, scaled-down events are returning to professional and social calendars. Organizers may be concerned about how to respond should a staff member or attendee develop symptoms of COVID-19 while at an event. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urges organizers to follow certain protocols in such instances. First and foremost, organizers should immediately separate staff or attendees who become sick until they can go home. If a sick person is too ill to get himself or herself home, contact local authorities, who may be able to arrange for the sick person to be transported home via ambulance. People who are or may be exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 should avoid public transportation, including buses, trains, rideshares, and taxis. Once the sick person has been separated, provide the person with a clean, disposable facemask. If none

is available, the CDC advises providing them with a tissue or some other way to cover their coughs and sneezes. Once the person has been separated and gone home, organizers should contact their local public health officials to inform them about the possibility of a person with COVID-19 at their event. The CDC notes that such officials can then help organizers learn how to consult their staff and attendees about possible exposure to the virus. Organizers also may want to contact their local public health officials in advance of their events to determine how they should proceed with the event should someone exhibit symptoms of COVID-19 while in attendance. Protocols may vary depending on the type and size of the event, and public health officials can help determine the appropriate response.