Maize Days to follow CDC’s large-gathering advice
MURPHY (September 23, 2021) The much-anticipated return of Maize Days this Saturday, Sept. 25 to Murphy’s Central Park from noon to 9:45 p.m. will include the offering of free masks at the festival’s entrances and a generous number of hand sanitizing dispensers throughout the park.
Demonstrating a respectful approach to the wide-ranging attitudes that attendees may have regarding the containment of the coronavirus, festival officials will be following guidelines for large outdoor gatherings promulgated by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Taking information from CDC website along with information from local and area healthcare providers, the following guidance will be in effect:
- In general, you do not need to wear a mask in outdoor settings.
- In areas with high numbers of COVID-19 cases, consider wearing a mask in crowded outdoor settings and for activities with close contact with others who are not fully vaccinated.
- We encourage attendees to bring and use masks at the event for anyone two years of age or older. We will also have masks on-hand to provide to staff and attendees who do not bring their own.
- Stay home if you have tested positive for COVID-19, are waiting for COVID-19 test results, have COVID-19 symptoms, or if you have had close contact with a person who has tested positive for or who has symptoms of COVID-19.
- Stay at least 6 feet away from people who don’t live with you.
- We discourage attendees and staff from greeting others with physical contact such as handshakes. This reminder will be included on signs about physical distancing.
- We ask that attendees wash their hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before and after getting on rides or touching surfaces.
- If soap and water are not readily available, we will also provide hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol in various locations around the festival.
More information on large event gatherings can be found on the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/large-events/considerations-for-events-gatherings.html