We’re well into festival season, so now is your chance to let your hair down and have some fun!
If you’re planning on taking part this summer, you’ll want to know the latest festival Covid rules, as well as how to keep safe generally.
So in this article, we show you how to stay safe at a festival without compromising on your fun!
Stay Covid-safe
At the front of everyone’s minds is how to enjoy a festival after Covid. Rest assured that it is possible to be responsible and have fun at the same time!
Firstly, be aware that the rules around Covid restrictions may change. You can check out the latest information on the Australian’s government website. From there, you can find rules for individual states and territories.
Currently, festival Covid restrictions include the venue having a safety plan. But as an individual, you also have a responsibility to reduce the spread of infection at any festival or event you attend. You can do this by:
- Frequent handwashing with soap and water
- Using hand sanitiser to help keep your hands clean and germ-free
- Wearing a face mask
- Keeping a safe distance from other festival-goers
- Staying home if you notice symptoms including fever, a respiratory infection or loss of taste or smell
For peace of mind, you may also want to take a Covid 19 home test kit before you set out for your festival. You’ll know the results in minutes, so you can find out instantly whether you’re safe to go!
Stay sun-safe
Safety is not just about reducing the risk of spreading infections but also about staying safe in your surroundings.
Stay sun-safe by wearing sunscreen and clothes that protect you from the sun’s rays. Wear a hat that protects your face and the back of your neck, and don’t forget to take breaks in the shade. If you can, stay out of the sun when it’s at its peak, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Don’t forget to stay hydrated too. Bring your own bottle to fill up at water stations, and aim to drink around 10 cups (for men) or eight cups (for women) a day. (One cup is equivalent to 250 ml.)
Be alcohol and drug aware
Enjoying an alcoholic drink is all part of the festival experience. But knowing your limits will keep you safe as you enjoy the celebrations.
Guidelines advise a limit of four standard alcoholic drinks per day. Know that:
- A 30 ml serving of a spirit is 1 standard drink.
- A 375 ml can of beer is 1.4 standard drinks.
- A 150 ml serving of white wine is 1.4 standard drinks.
- A 150 ml serving of red wine is 1.6 standard drinks.
To enjoy alcohol safely, you can try:
- Alternating alcoholic drinks with soft drinks
- Eating before and during consuming alcoholic drinks
- Keeping track of the number of drinks you consume
You should also say no to illicit drinks. Not only is taking them against the law, but they could make you very unwell and vulnerable or could lead to a very unpleasant experience.
Be aware of personal safety
Festival safety includes personal safety. While most festival-goers are simply there to have a good time, there is also the risk of crime at large gatherings.
Stay safe by:
- Leaving valuables, except the essentials, at home
- Keeping money and devices such as phones safely stashed away. Use a money belt or secure lockers if they’re available. If you’re staying overnight, keep your valuables at the bottom of your sleeping bag.
- Sticking with people you know and practising a buddy system, so arrange to meet up with a friend at a designated place and time if you want to explore separately
Get your bearings
Some festival venues can be big places, and it’s easy to get lost or separated from friends.
When you first arrive, grab a map and find out where all the essentials like toilets, the medical tent and the camping areas are. And decide on a meeting place if you get separated from friends.
Enjoy your festival — safely
Festival safety rules are there to make sure you have the best time while minimising danger to yourself and others. So it’s worth taking a few minutes to read up on the rules and making the right preparations.
Make it easy by browsing our full range of health and wellbeing products, all designed to keep you safe while living life to the full!
Find hand sanitiser, face masks, home Covid test kits and more to help you prepare for your much-anticipated festival experience.