The Montgomery County Board of Health today, issued a statement addressing the health concerns of Montgomery County citizens. Montgomery County Public Health Administrator Samantha Beeson says “Based on known evidence of how COVID-19 spreads among mass gatherings of people, the Board believes that the harmful health impact on Montgomery County residents attending large events and gatherings could be substantial.” Beeson said the Board’s position on large gatherings is as follows:

• Large events and mass gatherings in Montgomery County are discouraged until the threat of COVID-19 spread has diminished;
• Events where a large portion of attendees travel from outside the local area are also discouraged;
• Large events and mass gatherings with primary attendance being largely from the local area should adequately provide protective measures to reduce the COVID-19 spread.

The Board of Health and Montgomery County Public Health say they are willing to work with any entity to plan a safe event. Following CDC guidance, the following is a minimum list of protective measures recommended to promote healthy behaviors and prevent spread:

• Encouraging ill persons to stay home;
• Have adequate space for social distancing/modified layouts;
• Incorporate Hygienic practices recommended by the CDC for large events;
• Encourage face mask use when social distancing is not possible;
• Adequate cleaning and sanitizing of frequently touched surfaces; and
• Increased messages/signage/announcements reminding people to utilize healthy practices to prevent spread

The Montgomery County Board of Health says it “is greatly concerned about how mass gatherings will affect the citizens, businesses and schools of Montgomery County should an outbreak occur related to an event.” Still, their recommendation is to decrease the size of mass gatherings and events, to decrease the health impact on the community.