The following is intended as a plain-language summary of rules during the COVID-19 emergency and does not replace the need to follow all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

The following Health Department guidance is designed to allow participation in outdoor races and attendance at outdoor concerts and other performances, while prioritizing safety for (seated or unseated) participants in large crowds.

• Organizers of all outdoor events exceeding 1000 participants (including staff and volunteers) should consider requiring proof of vaccination from all participants. 
• The Health Department strongly encourages participants, staff, and volunteers get vaccinated before participating.
• Find out more about getting vaccinated in Philadelphia.

Communicate

• Create a plan to communicate vaccination and masking requirements, if applicable, to participants, staff, and volunteers in advance to give them time to prepare to participate. Communication such as signs and posters will also help everyone understand how to keep themselves safe while participating in the event.
• Read more about the CDC’s guidance event planning and COVID-19 safety 

Proof of vaccination

• If applicable, determine procedures for checking vaccination status.
• Read more about ways to check for vaccination proof (PDF).
• If your event is vaccination only, ensure that participants are asked about vaccination in a respectful manner and consistent with applicable privacy laws and standards. Businesses and institutions must obey all applicable local, state, tribal, and territorial laws, regulations, and rules as they consider whether to confirm COVID-19 vaccination status.

Key prevention strategies for facilities, including arrangement/construction of event space

• Conduct routine cleaning to help maintain healthy facilities.
• Prevent crowding at events, for example, by modifying layouts or installing physical barriers or guides to support physical distancing, where appropriate.
• Read more about general prevention strategies.
• For indoor gatherings where food will be served prior to your event follow guidance for Restaurants and other venues guidance.
• For indoor activities where no food will be served, see guidance for Businesses and other organizations.

Contact tracing

• If any participant develops a COVID-19 infection or has a positive test, businesses and other organizations must take additional precautions to stop the virus from spreading further.
• If you have questions or concerns, contact the Health Department at (215) 685-5488 or covid@phila.gov.

See also

• Restaurants and other indoor establishments selling food and/or drink
• Businesses and other organizations not serving food and/or drink
• Calculating isolation and quarantine (PDF)

• Text COVIDPHL to 888-777 to receive updates to your phone.
• If you have questions, call the Department of Public Health at (215) 685-5488.