It appears that the transmission risk associated with drive-in live events is sufficiently low to allow them to take place. Photo: Shutterstock
Live concerts are amongst a number of events that organisers are preparing to host in new ways, whilst respecting the need for social distancing. Comedy nights, theatre productions and local bingo events are also being reimagined across Scotland.
The Scottish government have made this decision following public health advice and input from across the live events industry, including from the MU. It appears that the transmission risk associated with drive-in live events, where the audience remains in their parked cars, is sufficiently low to allow them to take place. Appropriate guidance and mitigations must be followed.
Other live outdoor events are not due to commence before 31 July. Drive-in cinemas were permitted to resume screenings, following associated safety guidance, last week.
New guidance for live events
The Scottish government updated its guidance for the live events industry on 20 July, and also recently released new guidance for Creative Studios and Hospitality and Tourism.
The new guidance specifies that organisers must ensure live performers adhere to physical distancing and hygiene measures, including the relevant guidance on singing and the use of musical instruments.
Other mitigating measures will include limiting attendance to one extended household per car, calculating the capacity to allow two-metre distancing to be maintained for both staff and customers, and customers remaining in their vehicle at all times (other than to safely access toilets and food/merchandise areas).
Organisers will also need to keep a record of staff and customer contact details to help with contact tracing in case someone linked to the event contracts Covid-19.
As well as advice from the Scottish government, musicians preparing to return to live performances should check our recent health and safety guidance for personal and venue safety when performing during the recovery period.
No musician left behind
Although a return to work may be possible for some, many musicians urgently need continued financial support.
Ask the Chancellor Rishi Sunak to protect all self-employed workers, and ensure no musician is left behind.
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