News

The situation is constantly changing, there is little or no consistency between countries. In an attempt to shed a little light, we have tried at least to update ourselves as to where we are.

England

Currently, business events of up to 30 are legal. Going forward venues are planning to welcome back conferences and meetings on the 1^st of October, though social distancing measures and other Covid safe measure will have to be enforced. This is subject to a number of trials and may yet be revised backwards.

As of the 11^th of September, there are 41.3 cases per million people in the UK.

Germany

Berlin, September 1st will see the maximum capacity for indoor events increased from 500 to 700, and from 1,000 to 5,000 for events taking place outside.

Saxony and Brandenburg will also permit capacities of 1,000 for both indoor and outdoor events. In Bavaria, the first day of the month will mark the resumption of large conventions, exhibitions and events, subject to strict adherence with safety measures.

Whilst permitted capacities are significantly smaller in other federal states, the new measures still introduce a long-awaited taste of a crowd atmosphere and allow many of Germany’s cultural highlights to remain firmly on the calendar.

11^th of September 16.3 cases per million

Japan

Since mid-May, attractions and businesses have begun to reopen, with Tokyo now moving to the final stage, allowing entertainment and recreation venues to reopen, and permitting public events of up to 1,000 people. On June 3, the Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau released its “Guidelines for MICE Event Organizers for Infectious Disease Control,” providing a detailed checklist for planners of meetings for before, during and after the event. These measures include “collaborative preparation with venues and associate companies,” “prevent close-contact settings” (complete with sample layout) and more.

11^th of September 4.2 cases per million

Netherlands

In larger rooms or spaces where more than 100 people could gather, reservations and pre-entry health checks are mandatory. In such cases, no maximum number of people applies, but there must be clear, differentiated routes into and out of the space and other places, like washrooms. See here

11^th of September 54.1 cases per million

Singapore

Currently, the Singapore Tourism Board allows business events of up to 50 people to take place, with the permission of the board and following specific risk-mitigation measures. On Sept. 7, organizers opened up applications for planners seeking permission to hold gatherings of up to 250 people beginning Oct. 1. Previously, on July 1, Singapore began reopening its tourism sector as 13 major attractions started operating at 25 percent capacity. On June 19, the city-state entered phase 2 of reopening, following its “circuit breaker” instituted after a jump in new COVID-19 cases.

Switzerland

Public and private events of up to 300 people as well as “spontaneous gatherings” of up to 30 people are allowed. Officials expect travel restrictions within the Schengen area will also be largely lifted July 6.

11^th of September 10.2 cases per million

Belgium

Up to 200 people are allowed to attend indoor events and up to 400 people for outdoor gatherings

11^th September 50.3 cases per million

Canada

British Columbia began reopening in mid-May, allowing small social gatherings of up to 50 people, with hotels and resorts able to accept guests in June. Alberta entered stage 2 of its relaunch strategy on June 12, reopening retail businesses and permitting gatherings of up to 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors. Ontario entered stage 3 of its recovery plan on July 17, allowing for indoor gatherings of up to 50 people and outdoor gatherings of up to 100 people, and restaurants and bars can offer outdoor dining. Starting Aug. 3, Quebec’s premier began allowing public gatherings of up to 250 people.

11^th of September 17.1 cases per million

Czech Republic

Following a five-step reopening plan, on June 8, events of up to 500 people are now permitted and restaurants, bars and hotels have been fully reopened, with additional hygiene measures in place.

11^th September 88.5 cases per million

In the British context, it seems to us that the Dutch model is the way to go, with a higher number of cases per million than ourselves and a more pragmatic policy re events i.e. not a one size fits all.

Thank you to NorthStar meetings group for much of the content of this piece, the piece was last updated on the 8^th of September.

If you are looking for award-winning meeting rooms in central London or a conference venue in London look no further than Cavendish Venues. With venues in the City of London and the West End (just behind Oxford Circus and Great Portland Street we have meeting rooms and conference halls to suit everybody.