{"id":23004,"date":"2020-06-25T14:32:29","date_gmt":"2020-06-25T19:32:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/?p=23004"},"modified":"2020-06-26T09:51:04","modified_gmt":"2020-06-26T14:51:04","slug":"how-to-safely-perform-gigs-during-covid-19","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/how-to-safely-perform-gigs-during-covid-19\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Safely Perform Gigs During COVID-19"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

After nearly four months of quarantine, shutdowns, lockdowns, social distancing, and masks, many parts of the United States are beginning to reopen! This means new opportunities for gigs are starting to pick up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the excitement and zeal to get back to work, you\u2019ll want to make sure that you and your clients are protected. It’s important that each event is not only in compliance with local guidelines but safe for everyone involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Know your local guidelines<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before re-opening your business and returning to your gigs, check on your local and state guidelines for responding to COVID-19. Different cities and counties often mandate different practices, so if you are traveling even a few miles, make sure you are up-to-date with local policies. These often change weekly as the virus spreads or is contained, so stay aware.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your region is opening in phases, verify which phase your event is in and follow those guidelines. Some clients may not be familiar with local mandates and will need your help. Your state\u2019s Department of Health website will have regular updates to keep you informed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consider your clients’ comfort level when booking new gigs. Regardless of lighter restrictions in some regions, the event planner may not be comfortable with them. Use your outstanding customer service skills and work to make their event a success, even if it means a little extra precaution on your part.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While different regions are re-opening at various paces, the CDC (Center for Disease Control) still encourages basic habits and practices<\/a> to keep everyone safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Allow for social distancing<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Until March of 2020, most of us weren\u2019t familiar with the concept of social distancing. Now, we\u2019re all experts. This simple, yet highly-effective, practice can prevent the spread of viruses and keep everyone healthy. Social distancing works most effectively when event-goers maintain a distance of 6 feet (or the width of an average-sized car) or more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In the discussion and negotiation process before the gig, be clear with your event planner or client about how social distancing will be maintained. This is critical to avoid any confusion or awkwardness at the event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Depending on your service, social distancing could create issues. Musicians performing at parties or venues need to make sure they have ample space. Other services, such as face painters or make-up artists have tougher obstacles. We\u2019ll cover those as we go forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Develop sanitizing protocols<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The CDC encourages a few basic tips for hygiene and sanitation, specifically washing your hands and disinfecting surfaces. Hopefully, we all learned to wash our hands in grade school, but take a few extra seconds, use soap and warm water, and sing the Jeopardy theme or the chorus to Dolly Parton\u2019s \u201cJolene\u201d<\/a> to keep clean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For musicians, DJs, and anyone using sound equipment or other touchable surfaces, keep disinfectant wipes on hand. At every break, take a second to wipe everything down, including microphones or keyboards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Service providers or performers whose service requires close contact and proximity should make a quality mask and gloves non-negotiable. For example, face painters, makeup and hair artists, henna artists, balloon twisters, bartenders, caterers, waitstaff, and others need these extra protections. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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This article from Jestpaint<\/a> gives some great practical tips on protecting yourself, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n