It goes without saying that the events industry has been one of the hardest hit by the pandemic. Now two years in we’re realizing our new normal and event planners fully recognize that their attendees’ health is a non-negotiable priority. Variant after variant and surges in cases time and time again, the reality is that this pandemic isn’t going away and it also seems like vaccinations and boosters aren’t the preventive solution we’d hope for. So, it’s time to take a close look into COVID-19 testing solutions to understand the options to ensure the safety of staff and attendees, regardless of vaccination status.
PCR vs. Antigen COVID-19 Tests
Let’s start with the basics. What are the different tests available and key considerations to help you choose which one is right for your event.
PCR Tests
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests are used to detect genetic material from the virus. This test can take anywhere from 24hrs to a few days for a result because it is sent to a laboratory for testing. The sample can be collected individually at home, at the doctor’s office, testing-site, or via video proctor with a Health Professional. PCR Tests are a good option for your in-person event if:
- You want attendees to get the most accurate results
- Your venue can’t accommodate space for testing large groups upon entering
- Your budget doesn’t allow for onsite testing services or the additional venue space for it
- Your event entry requirements involve having a negative COVID test before arrival to the event site
Antigen Tests
Antigen tests, also known as Rapid Diagnostic tests, detect specific proteins from the Coronavirus in the test sample and results can return in as little as 15-30 minutes. The sample can be collected individually at home or at the event venue, at the doctor’s office, or via video proctor with a Health Professional. Antigen Tests are a good option for your in-person event if:
- You want attendees to self-administer a test onsite or at home the day of the event
- Your budget doesn’t allow for PCR Tests
- You want to have extra tests handy for attendees with last-minute testing needs
- When testing sights are not readily available in the area
- Your venue has plenty of outdoor/entrance space to keep everyone socially distanced while they wait on their results
At-Home vs. Onsite Testing for Events
At-Home Testing
To eliminate lines or the need of having a dedicated area for testing and waiting, spare your guests the process of swabbing their nose in public with an at-home testing kit. Guests would receive a Covid testing pack in the mail and self-administer their test from the privacy of their own home. Some considerations to keep in mind include:
- Timing. How early will you require tests to be administered? If they need to be day-of Antigen tests are the right choice for your event.
- Accuracy. To ensure at-home tests are administered correctly and taken by the right person, Proctored Antigen tests are the way to go. Proctored tests are virtually monitored by a medical professional through a telehealth video call – giving you peace of mind that results are legitimate. There are providers that sell kits bundled with video proctoring or video proctoring on its own regardless of where test kits are purchased.
- Quantities. Shortages of tests may make them less accessible. Make sure you find a provider that can partner with you and deliver the bulk quantities you need and the ability to ship directly to attendees.
- Shipping. Not only shipping costs should be accounted for, but the collection of correct shipping addresses. Make sure you have an event solution that enables you to collect these.
- Tracking. All event planners want to ensure attendees are coming, and a tracking system that gives you visibility into who has the “green light” to come to your event is a must-have.
- Check-In. To ensure attendees have fulfilled your event entry requirements, leverage check-in technology that’s integrated with at home testing kits to streamline the entrance process at your event.
On-Site Testing for Events
If you are planning an event in a city with strict guidelines or the event host requires it, onsite testing is another option to keep staff and attendees safe. The only con is that by the time your guests arrive, there will always be some sort of bottlenecking by the entrance. No matter how well you manage your guest’s arrival, there will always be some kind of a traffic jam now that guests can’t walk right in like they did pre-pandemic. Some considerations to keep in mind include:
- Space. The venue needs a dedicated area by the entrance for on-site testing and waiting.
- Administration. Will the test be self-administered by attendees or administered by a medical professional? Partner with a vendor that has the options to ship tests in bulk directly to the venue or that offers full onsite services depending on your requirements.
- Entrance queueing. Leverage event technology to manage crowds. Send text messages to segmented groups of attendees when it’s time to check-in. Additionally, you can create virtual lines to eliminate long lines 6ft apart as attendees wait to get tested.
Regardless of the testing option you choose or the local laws you are dealing with, it is our duty of care as event organizers to keep attendees and staff safe at events and communicate the measures taken to deliver on that promise. To learn more about how Event Farm can help with COVID-19 testing solutions for events, click here.