TestBash and COVID-19

Yes, all of our TestBashes are going ahead as planned.

A question the events team have, understandably, received a lot over the past few weeks is “Will TestBash go ahead in light of COVID-19?” In light of the number of queries we’ve been fielding and to help our attendees understand the steps we’re taking, we’ve put together an outline of the questions we’ve frequently been asked along with our plans to keep attendees safe.

Is TestBash going ahead?

Some of our TestBashes have been cancelled - TestBash Detroit and TestBash Brighton. We are closely following all updates from WHO and the governments in the countries our events are taking place in. At the moment, we believe that running these events will pose a very low risk for our attendees. If anything changes for any of our events, we will send out a communication to all attendees.

What steps are you taking to ensure safety at the event?

1. We have done and continue to update our risk assessments for each of our events. Should our risk assessment reveal elevated risk, our speakers and attendees will be the first to know.
2. We have large tubs of hand sanitizer available at our events in addition to handwashing facilities available in all venues.
3. We will be working with the venue staff to clean down all high contact surfaces with alcohol wipes on a regular basis.
4. If you do have symptoms of COVID-19 please DO NOT attend the event. Email us and we will work with you to find a resolution, see “I’ve bought a ticket but now can’t attend, what next?” We will be using digital thermometers at registration to check for attendees running a fever as an added precaution. In the case where an attendee does present with a fever and cough, they will be asked to wear an N95 mask immediately which we will provide for the safety of our staff.
5. We have been in contact with people who we know would have been travelling from Category 1 or Category 2 risk areas. If you have travelled through any of these areas recently and it has not been made aware to us, please let us know as soon as possible.
6. Food at the event will be plated for attendees by our gloved catering staff to increase hygiene and reduce queuing times which will help us to ensure your safety.
7. There will be ample amounts of tissues available for attendees, we encourage you to use these where necessary and bin them after use in line with WHO recommendations.
8. We will have WHO guidance posters printed and displayed throughout our venues to remind folks about the hygiene practices that are advised.
9. While we’re taking the above measures to provide added safety, we would ask that attendees bring their own hand sanitizer and tissues in addition to what we will be providing.

When will I know if you have to cancel?

You’ll know as soon as we know. We’re hopeful that we won’t have to cancel any of our events but we will continue to monitor all guidance from verified bodies.

Will you be streaming the event if I can’t attend?

No. As we’ve learned from years of running events, venue WiFi is notoriously unreliable. Given we could not guarantee a reliable stream, we will not be streaming any of our events for paying attendees who cannot attend due to work travel bans. You will have video access on The Dojo if the event goes ahead.

I’ve bought a ticket but now can’t attend, what next?

If you’ve bought a ticket and are either in a risk group or have had a travel ban enforced by your company, please email the relevant event email address and we’ll do our best to work something out with you. Note that you must be able to provide proof of your work travel ban should you be contacting us in relation to this.

I have more questions about COVID-19

We recommend reading the WHO Q&A related to COVID-19 which includes information about the symptoms and how to practice good hygiene to reduce the risk of spread or contraction.

Anything else we need to know?

Everyone's safety and wellbeing is our primary concern. At this stage, we have no concerns for anyone's safety in attending our events.

While we’re working hard to ensure your safety, we would appreciate it if you would consider the mental wellbeing of our staff during this time. If we’ve answered any of the questions you have with the above, please don’t send them again. If anything changes, we’ll let our booked attendees know as soon as we know.

If you’re finding the situation overwhelming, please check out this poster or reach out to a mental health support resource.

We look forward to welcoming you to TestBash!