City of Boise updates COVID-19 policy for events

From Mayor Lauren McLean

Coronavirus cases are surging across Boise and the Treasure Valley. Our hospitals, urgent care facilities and emergency rooms are once again overwhelmed and the City of Boise is taking additional steps to protect our community.

The city’s COVID-19 event policy is being updated following calls from the community for increased health and safety protocols for both indoor and outdoor special events.

Effective Friday, September 17, the following requirements are being implemented for events permitted by the City of Boise and held at city-owned facilities:

For events under 250 people

·         Masks are required both indoors and outdoors if six feet of physical distance cannot be maintained

·         Event organizers must provide masks for attendees and masks must be worn when not eating or drinking

·         COVID-19 protocol ambassadors are required on site

·         Event organizers must submit a plan through the city’s special events process for approval

For events larger than 250 people

·         Proof of vaccination or proof of negative COVID-19 test required for all attendees

·         Masks are required both indoors and outdoors if six feet of physical distance cannot be maintained

    • Event organizers must provide masks for attendees and masks must be worn when not eating or drinking

·         COVID-19 protocol ambassadors are required on site

·         Event organizers must submit a plan to the city’s Special Events Team for approval

·         Physical distancing measures in place

·         Sanitation stations throughout event footprint

·         Event organizers must submit a traffic flow plan for approval to prevent COVID-19 spread and promote physical distancing

We are requiring these additional steps so that events can continue in the City of Boise.

It’s up to all of us to do what we can to protect ourselves and each other from COVID-19. Please get vaccinated if you can and wear a mask indoors, and outdoors when physical distancing cannot be maintained. These simple steps are proven to slow the spread of the virus. Together, we can keep our community safe, continue enjoying events and come out of this pandemic stronger.