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As I think back to April 2020, with all of the uncertainties, one can’t help but feel proud of what we have collectively accomplished. Pivot is a word we all know well and as we look forward to summer 2021, pivoting continues to be a necessity for our success. I can’t help but chuckle when looking at the synonyms for pivoting – turning, spinning, revolving, twisting, whirling, swiveling. Personally, I’ve spent a bit of time in the whirling and swiveling area. I think we can all relate and agree that pivoting is the most professional word to describe our constant state of motion and the decision making that surrounds operating businesses during COVID-19.
As the good work of public health continues and more people receive their vaccinations, there are some questions related to social distancing, mask-wearing, capacity limits (both inside and outside), events, etc. Last summer, best practice protocols were established and embraced widely by our local businesses. For example, all businesses set mask requirements even before the mask mandate was implemented by Governor Walz. Visit Cook County expects to do the same this summer and will be working with our tourism partners to set common best practices. Scientists continue to learn how the vaccines protect people from the variants; however, until most of the population is fully vaccinated, consistent use of public health prevention strategies will help limit the spread. There is definitely face mask fatigue; however, a cohesive expectation across all businesses is the best path forward.
As capacity limits change for indoor and outdoor venues, I encourage you to take a look at this capacity calculator: staysafe.mn.gov/ capacity-calculator/
This calculator refers to both indoor and outdoor venues as well as seated and unseated space. I needed a reference and visual aid for my calculation. A professional American football field has a total square footage of 57,564 square feet. When using the calculator, the maximum capacity is 509. With that consideration, there are many variables affecting all events and gatherings and by the time you’re reading this, expectations may change. There are also resources available to help guide decision making.
The Visit Cook County team continues to work with event organizers to ensure best practices and COVID-19 safety protocols are established and embraced by our communities. Andrea Orest, Statewide Health Improvement Partnership Coordinator (SHIP), Sawtooth Mountain Clinic, will also meet with organizers and review plans. Andrea can be reached at andrea@sawtoothmountainclinic.org or by calling 218-877-8262.
We’re excited to see events return to the calendar and anticipate another busy summer. Typically, at Visit Cook County, we are focused on attracting visitors to our area. This year, we are shifting our marketing focus to educate our visitors on what we are expecting from them this season: from continue to wear masks and remain “One Moose Apart,” to leaving our community as beautiful as they found it by following the “Leave No Trace” principles.
The most current information on all events can be found on the online calendar at www.visitcookcounty.com/events/
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