While the Chautauqua County Fair has already been canceled for this summer, other county fairs have been given some guidance on what is required in order to take place in 2021.

During a press briefing today, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced additional guidance for county fairs and local festivals throughout New York. Local governments must permit county fairs and local festivals and consider COVID-19 health guidelines this year. The State Department of Health approval will be required for events with over 5,000 expected attendees, consistent with existing review process.

County fairs and local festivals must ensure that the total number of attendees is limited so that six feet of distance can be maintained between individuals who are not members of the same party, unless all attendees present proof of full vaccination status. Fairs and festivals may require masks for all attendees, and per CDC guidance masks are required for unvaccinated attendees in certain settings, and indoors where vaccination status is unknown.

“Fairs and festivals are huge economic generators for communities across the state, and last year they were all put on hold due to the COVID pandemic,” Cuomo said. “As more New Yorkers get vaccinated and we continue to keep the positivity and hospitalization rates down, we are readjusting our reopening strategy and allowing more events and attractions to resume. This new guidance will allow our county fairs and local festivals to open at the greatest capacity possible so they can remain economically viable, while still ensuring public health and safety.”

Cuomo also said the state’s industry-specific guidance must be followed for the applicable activities and attractions present at any fair or festival, such as amusement and family entertainment, food and beverage service, performing arts and entertainment. The applicable Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance, such as “Guidance for Organizing Large Events and Gatherings,” should also be consulted, as appropriate.

In addition to capacity limits, social distancing and any mask requirements, county fairs and local festivals should consider the following as they plan for this year’s festivities:

* Attendee Contact Information – Fairs and festivals should encourage at least one attendee from each party to sign in during ticketing, or before or immediately upon entering the event space, providing their name, address and phone number for use in potential contact tracing efforts.

Health Screening – Fairs and festivals must implement health screening for all individuals including questions on any COVID-19 symptoms, close contacts, recent positive COVID-19 test result, and compliance with State’s travel advisory. Screening may be performed via signage, at ticket purchase, by e-mail/website, by telephone, or by electronic survey before individuals enter the event space.

Hand Hygiene – Fairs and festivals must provide hand washing stations or hand sanitizing supplies for common areas and areas where hand washing facilities may not be available or practical.

Cleaning and Disinfection – Fairs and festivals must regularly clean and disinfect, focusing on high-traffic areas, such as restrooms, and frequently touched surfaces, such as service counters and seats.

Communication – Fairs and festivals must post signage informing attendees of health precautions (e.g., social distancing, masks, hand hygiene) and distance markers indicating six-foot spaces in areas where lines form or people congregate, unless all attendees are fully vaccinated.

Applicable Guidance – Fairs and festivals should consult the state’s guidance for their specific activities and attractions, such as performing arts and entertainment, amusement and family entertainment, food and beverage service, retail and market service, agricultural activities and sports and recreation.

After Cuomo made the announcement, the Erie County Fair announced it would return Aug. 11-22. More details are expected in the coming days.

The Cattaraugus County Fair previously said it was planning on holding its fair Aug. 1-6 and was waiting for further guidance from the state.

Two weeks ago the Chautauqua County Fair announced it was canceling this year due to lack of state guidance and the time needed to organize the annual event.