On 1 July, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) published guidance providing public health principles to support planning for events and mass gatherings, such as festivals, during the current monkeypox outbreak.
The guidance has been developed for councils, public health, and event organisers. It should be used as a guide to ensure appropriate measures are undertaken to protect public health. The document follows the control strategy set out in the principles for monkeypox control in the UK.
Event organisers should ensure information is available on safe behaviours for attendees, and that they have plans in place for the safe management of suspected cases and their contacts.
Event communications should reinforce the message that the following individuals should not attend the event:
- Those who have tested positive for monkeypox and are currently isolating
- Those who have symptoms compatible with monkeypox
- Those who have been told they are a high or medium risk (category 3 or 2) contact and have been advised to self-isolate or avoid contact with people at higher risk of serious illness
The government has produced a stakeholder communications pack that outlines strategic aims for controlling monkeypox, assumptions about monkeypox transmission and biology, and implications for domestic/community, ambulatory care, inpatient healthcare and other residential settings.
Guidance:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/monkeypox-planning-events-and-mass-gatherings
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/principles-for-monkeypox-control-in-the-uk-4-nations-consensus-statement
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/monkeypox-contact-tracing
Monkeypox Stakeholder Communications Pack:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Tuk-iBIb7iP4SAe6YVnLrQyGxKayWWlH/view?usp=sharing