As with everyone and everything, party tent rental companies are making important and necessary changes amid COVID-19.
In an average year, there are:
- At least 2.4 million weddings in the U.S.
- About 800 music festivals all across the country.
- An average of 4,932 attendees per large convention or exhibition.
However, it is safe to say that 2020 is not an average year. Event rental companies are changing course to meet new and emerging needs. Take a closer look at what that means for the typical party tent rental business.
Making Transitions Safer
In many places, businesses are beginning to reopen. Reopening phases may allow for in-person office work, in-person dining with limited capacity and/or outdoor seating, and small events with masks and appropriate social distancing. One thing is for sure: meeting and socializing outside is safer than being packed together inside.
“When you are outside the risk of contracting a coronavirus infection is lower,” a representative from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDKK) tells Bay News 9.
That is where temporary tents and structures come in. Party tent rental companies are renting out temporary tents and structures to enable more events, dining, and conferences to take place outside if at all possible. Tents may have screens or walls that can be drawn or pulled down in the event of heavy rain or inclement weather. Otherwise, tents provide structure and shelter as well as a safer, open-air setting.
For example, restaurants may only have a few outdoor tables and/or limited outdoor seating. Working closely with party tent rental companies, they can rent a tent to set up more outdoor seating with appropriate distancing between tables. Similarly, it is much more feasible to throw a wedding or important corporate event with social distancing with a large, spacious tent than inside a church or cramped conference room.
As for individuals and families, consider renting a tent for an outdoor barbecue or pool party. Both events can take place outside and under an open-air tent. Guests can wear masks when they are not eating and remain six feet apart at all times. As for the pool, as long as it’s fairly sizeable, you should be okay. “The sheer volume of water will dilute out the virus, making the water a highly unlikely source of infection,” according to infectious disease researcher Dr. Andrew Janowski.
Take extra precaution by creating a coronavirus bubble. Several experts suggest staving off loneliness by choosing a few relatives or families to hang out with until there is an effective vaccine. These relatives and families agree only to hang out with people in your bubble or temporarily established network as well.
Increasing Availability of Test Sites
For a time, various cities in the U.S. relied on established structures for coronavirus testing, things like stadiums and parking lots. Now, tent rentals are making it possible to establish temporary testing sites in more locations.
Whereas testing in parking lots may have been stalled or postponed due to rain or unfavorable weather in the past, now tent rentals allow companies to set up supplies and testing stations undercover. In many cases, testing can now take place rain or shine.
As time passes, there is more and more availability for testing — thanks to the greater number of tests and testing locations. If you are experiencing possible symptoms of the virus or have recently come in contact with someone who tested positive, look up local testing sites in your area.
To put it lightly, times are a-changing — and tent rental companies are rising to meet the challenge. Tent rentals are enabling businesses and individuals alike to better accommodate social distancing and appropriate outdoor events. Plus, temporary tents are playing an increasingly important role on testing sites.