INDUSTRY UPDATE!!!! This just in...
Today I received a personal email from the Covid Information Center with an update on guidelines for larger cultural ceremonies. I've been calling and emailing them weekly for updates. Here's the latest which is copied and pasted directly for the Humboldt County Covid Information Center's email to me this morning.
Wedding ceremonies are permitted indoors with a 50% capacity limit or 200 people, whichever is smaller, and as social distancing can allow. We understand that the guidance provided in the “Places of Worship and Cultural ceremonies” guidance document is geared more toward Places of Worship and does not provide enough information relevant for wedding planning.
Thus, the county has been working to compile the following best practices and things to consider to supplement the state guidance.
All wedding ceremonies must follow State-mandated capacity limits.
Currently Humboldt County is in the orange/moderate tier, which limits weddings or cultural ceremonies taking place in indoor spaces to 50% capacity or up to 200 people, whichever is fewer.
For the most updated information about the status of weddings in our county, please go to https://covid19.ca.gov/safer-economy/ and enter “Humboldt” into the County field and press enter. Then scroll down to “Weddings” to find the relevant status information andsector guidance.
Wedding receptions are absolutely not allowed by the state.
Smaller is safer than bigger; outdoors is safer than indoors.
Shorter events reduce exposure potential.
Bringing guests in from higher risk areas increases the chance that someone attending will have a COVID-19 infection, even if they have no symptoms.
Facial coverings are required in all areas at all times, even outdoors. Give reminders about this requirement as often as necessary. Consider using signage to remind guests politely.
Physical distancing from those outside one’s household unit must be maintained at all times. Visual markers can be very helpful in making physical distancing successful.
Other things to consider include offering a livestream option for guests to attend and encouraging those who may be at higher risk or less comfortable attending to participate virtually, making a plan for wedding photographs that maintains physical distancing and having a sign in book with contact information to enable more effective contact tracing if a guest later tests positive.
Reception activities and parties are not allowed, but if food or drinks will be provided during the ceremony, they should not be shared or self-serve. Consider individually packaged snacks and drinks.
Having extra facial coverings on hand for guests is always a good idea and making sure guests are aware of local orders requiring facial coverings before their travel to the area can help them be prepared.
We are looking forward to safely supporting couples with their ceremonies. If you are planning a wedding and would like support with hosting a Covid-safe ceremony, connect with us to schedule a free assessment call regarding your celebration. Love is Essential!
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