F. Hygiene Concept

Please note: The hygiene concept has been developed during the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite the regulations not being in place currently, the concept still contains useful information and guidelines.

F1. Introduction

Whether in pandemic times or not, events are hotspots for the transmission of diseases. A well thought-out hygiene concept helps to protect guests and staff so that arts and cultural events can take place as safely as possible.Why do we need a hygiene concept? The consequences of an inadequate hygiene concept unfortunately only appear days after the event, which is why they are often difficult to quantify. However, even a single infected person with a high viral load in the nasopharynx can infect hundreds of other people if there is sufficiently close contact. Examples such as the Verknipt Festival in the Netherlands or various outbreaks in event venues show how quickly COVID-19, and in particular the δ-variant, spreads, especially at dance/music events with high contact between guests. Even if the average age and the associated risk of severe disease is lower than in the general population, "long COVID" and the associated limitations occur in every age group. Furthermore, people who are infected at events are potential carriers to other rooms and networks. But even beyond COVID-19, a well thought-out hygiene concept is a win-win for everyone. Every year, festivals are cancelled due to other pathogens. The norovirus in particular has led to the cancellation of some festivals and events in recent years. It is important to realise that cultural events are spaces where pathogens spread particularly well and guests and staff need to be protected accordingly. 

F2. Security measures and admission restrictions

In general, we can speak of two different approaches to security. 

  • Active safety concepts try to prevent transmission in the room itself. This includes measures such as safety distances, wearing masks, ruminal air filters/ventilation systems etc.. They reduce the virus titre in the room air and thus the immediate risk of infection.

It should be noted that the effectiveness of active measures depends strongly on the venue.

  • Preventive security concepts try to avoid the presence of vectors in the room to be secured. Such measures include, for example, PCR/antigen testing or taking the temperature of the guests.

Active safety concepts

Mandatory masks

Reduces the immediate risk of infection through reduced emission of virus particles and less mixing of the room air when exhaling. Especially in places where there are many people in a confined space, masks are appropriate. It is important that the safety mask fits correctly. Checking this is often difficult and requires extra personnel. FFP2 masks are recommended OP masks offer only very limited protection. Especially in closed rooms, the risk of infection increases considerably after some time despite the masks, as virus particles still get into the room air and accumulate there. 

Ventilation and spacing

Filtering and exchanging the air in the room is also a good measure, as the virus titre in the air drops - in France, the infection rate in hospitals was greatly reduced in this way. However, it is important that the air movement is away from the guests (preferably upwards), otherwise ventilation can have the opposite effect. 

Where they can be implemented, spatial means such as safety distances and protective screens are a good way to increase the safety of the guests. However, the air situation plays a decisive role here. If air exchange (e.g. indoors) is not sufficiently guaranteed, even a safety distance is of only limited help. Whether in pandemic times or not, keeping surfaces clean, whether in sanitary facilities or in the bar area, is always a good idea. Limited virucidal disinfectants are recommended against COVID-19. 

Preventive safety measures / tests

How is the effectiveness of tests determined? 

Covid Tests have two important features: 

  • Sensitivity indicates how well the target is recognised.
  • Specificity indicates how accurately the test distinguishes from other similar targets.

This results in false positive (not infected - positive result) and false negative (infected - negative result) rates. The latter is particularly serious in the context of an event, because these people are potentially infectious but think they are safe. It is important to note that a test is only as good as the test sample. A poor swab with little analysis material may lead to a false-negative test result. 

Antigen tests

Antigen tests are based on the mechanical coupling of the target analyte to antibodies that carry a signal molecule at their Fc region. They are comparatively inexpensive and easy to use. Their sensitivity is on average 70% in symptomatic patients. So, on average, only 7 out of 10 people are recognised. So they help on a meta-level in a tested group of people. However, they can only reduce the risk of infection. Antigen tests only provide a qualitative statement, i.e. a yes or no signal. 

Lumirax Antigen Tests

These are a further developed form of the antigen test in which the result is evaluated by machine. They are more expensive and require appropriate evaluation equipment, but offer a slightly higher sensitivity. 

PCR Test

Based on the isolation and exponential multiplication of viral genetic material. Created copies contain molecules whose signal becomes measurable at a certain concentration. From the time until the first measurement, the original viral concentration in the sample can be determined. It is the most accurate form of analysis used on a large scale. However, the technical hurdles are much higher than with the antigen test, as it requires a laboratory, equipment and trained personnel. On the other hand, the PCR test offers almost one hundred per cent sensitivity when carried out properly and is also specific to related corona viruses (fewer false positives). In addition to qualitative analysis, it can also be used for quantitative analysis. Another particular advantage is that it can identify people during the incubation phase before they become contagious, which is especially important for events lasting several days. 

PCR tests currently offer the only possibility to conduct absolutely safe events with complete testing of staff and guests. 

Vaccination

Vaccinations are the best tool available to our society in this pandemic. They reduce the risk of infection by only 30%, but they reduce the risk of serious illness by up to 90% (as of Sep21). Unfortunately, vaccination alone does not replace the necessary safety measures. 

F3. What are the access regulations?

  • The 3G procedure at the moment provides for vaccination/genotyping/testing of guests.
  • At 2G, a valid test does not entitle you to entry.
  • For 2G+1, a daily updated test (antigen/PCR), as well as a valid vaccination or recovery certificate are required.

For persons under 18 years of age, 2G rules do not currently apply. For them, a negative test is also sufficient. 

It is important to note that there is a strong qualitative difference between PCR and antigen testing. With antigen testing, further safety measures are necessary. In general, it is recommended that all persons involved are tested, as vaccination/healing protects well against severe disease but not against (re)infection/transmission. 

3G Access with one of
  • with negative point-of-care (PoC) antigen test for events/ Pcr test
  • Proof of a complete vaccination at least 14 days ago
  • Recovered status
2G Access with
  • Proof of a complete vaccination at least 14 days ago
  • Recovered status
  • Mandatory for indoor dance events
2G+1 Access with
  • Proof of a complete vaccination at least 14 days ago
  • Recovered status
  • negative point-of-care (PoC) antigen test for events / Pcr test

When should masks be worn?

Wearing masks is always recommended when several people come together in a confined space or in closed rooms. For example, masks are mandatory whenever minimum distances cannot be maintained or there is no appropriate ventilation system indoors. Under 2G conditions and for children under 15 years of age, the mask obligation is waived by law. However, not wearing masks only really makes sense at 2G+. 

Legal requirements for hygiene at events

In Germany, hygiene regulations at events are governed by the Infection Protection Act. In addition, the federal states designate locally competent authorities. 

The hygiene requirements here are very individual depending on the event. In Berlin, for example, the Senate Department for Economic Affairs, Energy and Operations regulates the corona regulations as follows. Link The following preparations are required: Event description with content, spatial and temporal sequence Risk assessment from a hygienic point of view Definition of access requirements Definition of measures Cleaning and disinfection plan Work instructions on hygiene measures Definition of necessary instructions Ventilation concept for the specific event location. 

The 3rd SARS-CoV2 Corona Protection Measures Ordinance also applies. In particular §29. 

F4. Creating hygiene concepts

What influence does the size of the event have? 

The applicable restrictions change depending on the pandemic situation (see 3.) As of October 2021, 2,000 visitors are allowed to gather outdoors and 1,000 in enclosed spaces. Events with more than 2,000 guests require special permission from the Berlin Senate Administration and 2G conditions. How do I facilitate compliance with security measures? It is difficult to implement security measures in large groups, so creative approaches are needed to facilitate compliance with the rules. For example, masquerade masks can be offered or seating can be arranged so that people can sit slightly apart with enough space between them and still have a good conversation. Marking drinks with stickers or markers helps to avoid unwanted swapping of drinks, which is also a good idea. It is also important that the rules are well communicated. Well-readable notices and posts/messages in advance help to avoid misunderstandings. A traffic light system at the stages that shows the visitors when it is getting too crowded or disguised stewards can attract attention in a relaxed way. 

Possible measures for an outdoor event

As an example for an all-day continuous dance event with several stages and bar 

  • 2G+1 conditions. Contact and address details of visitors are noted. If they are not needed for tracking, they will be deleted afterwards. Data protection is very important.
  • Identifies particularly exposed infection points, e.g. entrance, bar queue, counter sanitary facilities. Masks make particular sense in these places.
  • Regular disinfection of high-touch surfaces and sanitary facilities with limited virucidal disinfectants.
  • According to the Ordinance on Places of Assembly Part 2 Section 3 §12, sufficient sanitary facilities should be provided.
  • Provide hand washing and hand disinfection facilities in the entrance, bar and sanitary area.
  • Make the dance floor large so that the guests do not dance too close together.
  • Creative concepts such as traffic lights (Wild Carrot) or video mapping (Dusk-Till-Dawn) help to communicate with all visitors without having to address all guests individually.
  • When seating, pay attention to spacing to prevent crowding. It makes sense to place the individual elements in size and arrangement so that peer groups can sit together.
  • Put out pens to mark drinks at the bar.
  • Visitors will be informed about the applicable corona rules in advance and at the entrance and a retest 4 days after the event is recommended.

F5. More information