COVID-19 Risks at Large Events: How to Stay Safe in 2025
With the return of large in-person gatherings, including award shows, concerts, and sporting events, many are wondering: Is COVID-19 still a risk at crowded venues? While public health measures have evolved, the virus remains a concern, especially at high-profile events like the Oscars, where thousands of attendees gather in enclosed spaces.
Rapid tests remain a vital tool to protect your family and loved ones during seasonal surges of COVID-19. Be sure to stock your medicine cabinet with market-leading ASSURE-100 rapid tests this season.
This article examines the latest COVID-19 risks at large gatherings, expert recommendations, and how individuals can protect themselves at events, parties, and award shows.
1. Are Large Gatherings Still a COVID-19 Risk in 2025?
Despite vaccines and treatments, COVID-19 remains a public health concern, particularly in densely packed venues where ventilation is poor and exposure risk is high.
- The latest CDC data shows that respiratory virus transmission increases during crowded indoor events, especially during the winter months (source).
- New SARS-CoV-2 variants, such as JN.1, have higher transmissibility rates, making it easier for COVID-19 to spread at events like the Oscars, Super Bowl parties, and music festivals.
- Asymptomatic carriers can still transmit the virus, posing a risk even when attendees feel healthy.
2. Why High-Profile Events Like the Oscars Pose a Unique Risk
Events like the Oscars, Golden Globes, and Grammy Awards bring together celebrities, industry professionals, and media in highly enclosed settings.
- Close Contact: Attendees engage in handshakes, selfies, and prolonged conversations, increasing exposure risks.
- Indoor, Poor Ventilation: Theaters, ballrooms, and after-parties often have limited air circulation, allowing airborne particles to linger.
- Global Travel: Many guests fly in from international locations, potentially introducing new COVID-19 variants to the event.
- Masking & Testing Policies Have Relaxed: Unlike in 2021–2022, many venues no longer require masks or proof of negative tests, leading to fewer precautions.
Given these factors, major gatherings remain a potential superspreader environment, especially if preventive measures aren’t taken.
3. How to Stay Safe at Large Events and Parties
If you plan to attend a major event or social gathering, taking simple precautions can help minimize COVID-19 risks.
Before the Event
✅ Get the latest booster shot: Staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccines reduces the risk of severe illness.
✅ Use a rapid home test: Testing before attending an event ensures you’re not unknowingly spreading the virus.
✅ Avoid high-risk exposures: If you’re attending a major event, limit your interactions with sick individuals in the days leading up to it.
During the Event
😷 Consider wearing a mask: While mask mandates have disappeared, high-quality N95 or KN95 masks still offer strong protection in crowded settings.
💨 Seek well-ventilated areas: Events with outdoor spaces or HEPA-filtered air circulation are safer.
🤝 Limit physical contact: Handshakes and close conversations increase risk—opt for fist bumps or waves instead.
After the Event
🩺 Monitor for symptoms: If you develop a sore throat, fatigue, or congestion within a few days, take a rapid home test immediately.
📞 Notify close contacts if you test positive: Early detection prevents further spread among family and colleagues.
4. Are Event Organizers Taking COVID-19 Precautions in 2025?
Many event organizers have relaxed COVID-19 protocols, but some still implement preventive measures:
- Air filtration upgrades: Some venues have installed HEPA filters to reduce airborne virus circulation.
- Hybrid event options: Award shows and conferences now offer virtual streaming options for those uncomfortable attending in person.
- Private testing services: Celebrities and VIP guests often privately test before attending high-profile events.
- Encouraging sick attendees to stay home: Some events are reinforcing self-screening policies to minimize transmission risk.
5. Should You Still Be Concerned About COVID-19 at Events?
The risk of severe illness from COVID-19 has decreased due to vaccinations, antiviral treatments, and natural immunity, but certain populations remain vulnerable:
- Older adults and immunocompromised individuals
- People with underlying conditions, like asthma or heart disease
- Unvaccinated individuals
For these groups, attending large events still carries increased risks, making precautions like testing, masking, and vaccination more important.
Conclusion: Staying Smart at Large Gatherings in 2025
While large events like the Oscars and major parties are back in full swing, COVID-19 risks still linger in crowded, enclosed environments. Attendees can minimize their exposure through vaccination, improved ventilation, and rapid home testing before and after events.
The best approach? Stay informed, take reasonable precautions, and prioritize your health while enjoying big gatherings safely.
Rapid tests remain a vital tool to protect your family and loved ones during seasonal surges of COVID-19. Be sure to stock your medicine cabinet with market-leading ASSURE-100 rapid tests this season.
Keywords: COVID-19 risks, large gatherings, SARS-CoV-2, Oscars COVID, rapid testing, rapid home tests, event safety, airborne transmission, pandemic precautions