Now more than ever, there are critical things to consider when planning to host a special event in Texas during the current pandemic.
Technically, Texas has been “reopened” to the public since the end of the spring, allowing people to continue to have gatherings and go about their lives with some normality. However, there are specific guidelines everyone is required to follow for designated events in order to keep each other safe and healthy.
Depending on what type of event you’re holding this fall season, the guidelines may be a bit different. The Governor of Texas’s office has even released specific “Open Texas Checklists” for each category of events.
At Texas Outhouse, we are here to help you make the appropriate plans to protect the health of guests, staff, employees, and other individuals who will be on-site during the event. Together, we can make it a safe Fall 2020 event season!
Health & Safety Guide for Outdoor Events in Texas
Let’s focus on outdoor events you may be planning for the fall season. If your event will have 10 people in attendance or more, it is required by the state that everyone must wear a mask that covers the nose and mouth wherever social distancing is not possible.
The Texas Department of State Health Services emphasizes that “because of the hidden nature of this threat, everyone should rigorously follow the practices specified in these protocols, all of which facilitate a safe and measured reopening of Texas.” Protocols per individual are as follows:
– Because people who are 65 years of age and older are at higher risk for catching the coronavirus with a more severe response, it is essential that everyone keeps at least 6 feet of distance from them. When possible, all people who are 65 or above should remain at home. Parties and other large gatherings — even when outdoor — put older individuals at a major risk.
– Though gatherings with groups of 10 people or more are permitted in Texas, they are not recommended and must be approved by the county judge or the mayor. Within these gatherings, in-person contact with others should be kept to the utmost minimum. In addition, each person should frequently wash and sanitize their hands and avoid sharing utensils and other shareable objects.
– All individuals should maintain a safe distance of 6 feet or more.
– Clean and sanitize all items before and after being used.
– Event planners and anyone else hosting a large gathering should set up processes to test individuals while on-site.
– Set up communication with expected attendees beforehand. In the communications, you should encourage individuals not to attend the event if they are experiencing any symptoms related to the coronavirus. The recommendation from health officials is to not attend social events or activities until you have been tested and quarantined for at least 2 weeks. Individuals should be encouraged to check themselves for any new symptoms or worsening signs of COVID-19, such as:
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Chills
- Shaking
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Loss of taste or smell
- Diarrhea
- Fever with a temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or more
- Known contact with a person who has been confirmed to have COVID-19
How Texas Outhouse Can Help With Fall Events
Texas Outhouse cares about the health and safety of everyone we serve. Our team meets on a regular basis to discuss ways in which we can further our safety procedures and meet our customers’ changing needs during the pandemic.
We currently offer dedicated COVID-19 solutions to support your event and align with the public safety requirements in Texas. Our solutions can be customized for the specific needs of your event:
- Handwashing stations. We offer pumps, stations, and towers to match your specific set-up.
- Eyewash stations. Minimize the spread of virus particles.
- Restroom trailers. Spacious, thoroughly cleaned, full amenities, and available in multiple sizes.
- Hand sanitizer. Can be utilized for hands and surfaces. Available in bulk delivery for large events.
We also offer portable toilets to serve the needs of each individual who will be on-site during the outdoor event. Our portable restrooms are deep-cleaned and serviced to ensure a safe and healthy experience during each use. We will also work with you to place the portable toilets in the most accessible space, and consider social distancing when setting up additional stations (e.g. handwashing stations).
Contact Us for Support Planning a Fall 2020 Event
This is a challenging time for event planners, as each event has its own unique set of needs. We will work with you to determine the best course of action to support two objectives: protect the health and safety of all individuals on-site and meet the public safety protocols mandated by the state of Texas.
We are here to make it easier to meet each requirement on the “Open Texas” checklist for your particular event. With 20 years of experience serving businesses in Texas, we are equipped to meet this challenge head-on.
To find out more about how we can support your Fall 2020 event in Texas, contact us today. We can be reached through our website, by phone at 713-785-8050, or emailing [email protected].
