Mass gathering events and COVID-19; lessons learnt from the 2020 European football championship/Rassemblements de masse et COVID-19; lecons tirees du championnat d'Europe de football 2020/Concentraciones masivas y COVID-19; lecciones aprendidas del Campeonato Europeo de Futbol 2020

Evidence about the impact of mass gatherings during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the number of disease cases and on the health-care systems of host countries is limited. Additionally, there have been few publications on the lessons identified from the adaptation of mass gather...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Bulletin of the World Health Organization 2024-11, Vol.102 (11), p.803
Main Authors: Schmidt, Tanja, Beebeejaun, Kazim, Latta, Aimee, Wippel, Christoph, Addo, Jennifer, Salvi, Cristiana, Tyler, Sarah, Izhyk, Olha, Smallwood, Catherine, Perehinets, Ihor
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Associations, institutions, etc
Control
Coronaviruses
Denmark
Epidemics
Europe
Germany
Professional soccer
Public health
Russia
Soccer teams
Social aspects
Social media
Societies
Switzerland
Task forces
United Kingdom
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Summary:Evidence about the impact of mass gatherings during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the number of disease cases and on the health-care systems of host countries is limited. Additionally, there have been few publications on the lessons identified from the adaptation of mass gatherings held during the pandemic, including the implementation of comprehensive public health and social measures aimed at reducing viral transmission. This article describes preparations made for the 2020 Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) European Football Championship (UEFA Euro 2020) by the World Health Organization's (WHO) Regional Office for Europe, UEFA and other stakeholders after the championship had been rescheduled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Technical guidance on preparations for the football tournament and risk assessment tools were provided by WHO. A task force established by the WHO Regional Office for Europe conducted traditional and event-based disease surveillance before and during UEFA Euro 2020, monitored public health and social measures in the 11 host countries, and developed a risk communication and community engagement strategy that involved multimedia campaigns targeting news and social media, fans, athletes, event organizers and other stakeholders. The lessons and good practices identified during UEFA Euro 2020 are described to help guide preparations for future mass gatherings in health emergencies. Sharing data and recommendations on best practice from previous mass gatherings with the organizers and countries involved in planning for a major event is particularly important.
ISSN:0042-9686
DOI:10.2471/BLT.23.290044