The COVID-19 Suffolk Events Toolkit (C-SET): A structured approach to conducting COVID-secure events

ObjectivesTo develop a toolkit to provide a structured framework for assessing whether large events are COVID-secure. Study designCross-sectional reporting on the development of the COVID-19 Suffolk Events Toolkit (C-SET). MethodsThe toolkit was developed through an iterative process of writing, discussion, and modification, drawing upon national UK guidance. Pilot cases and a contemporaneous consultation with experts were also undertaken, and C-SET was revised in line with the findings. ResultsC-SET offers a robust, structured approach to identifying areas of concern and potential mitigations, and collates and synthesises current national UK guidance. A flexible, modular design allows it to provide high-level input across all types of event, and allow modification to suit the needs of individual organisations. It is applicable to a variety of users, including event organisers in need of a structure, or bodies whose role is to appraise such events. It provides a semi-quantitative summary output, and in conjunction with the detailed links to guidance in the framework, allows development of clear, actionable recommendations to tangibly improve the quality of events. ConclusionsA necessary trade-off exists between COVID-related health risks and wider risks due to economic downturn, and facilitating large events in a way that minimises COVID transmission risk may offer a way to balance these competing priorities. C-SET was developed to provide a structured approach to identifying areas of improvement across key risk domains, and suggests potential mitigations that are underpinned by national UK guidance. Use of this toolkit may aid event organisers in developing COVID-secure events, and aid regulatory bodies in suggesting actionable recommendations through generation of a summary report of areas of concern.