General Policies: Per SBCPHD and (CDPH). For additional information on events with a defined guest list see Guidance for Private Events.

  • Receptions must be held outdoors.
  • No food or beverages. Bottled water may be offered.
  • Reception must have a guest list. Guests are by invitation only.
  • Maximum number of participants: 100, if Santa Barbara County is in the Orange Tier; 200, if the County is in the Yellow Tier. (Total number includes faculty, students, guests, and staff.)
  • The space must be large enough so that everyone at a gathering can maintain a physical distance of at least 6 feet from others (not including their own household) at all times.
  • If multiple gatherings are occurring, mixing between groups is not allowed. Additionally, multiple unique gatherings cannot be jointly organized or coordinated to occur in the same outdoor space at the same time, as this would constitute a gathering exceeding the permitted limits.
  • Participants are encouraged to sign up for CA NOTIFY, California’s COVID-19 exposure notification.
  • Any seating must be configured to provide a distance of at least 6 feet (in all directions—front-to-back and side-to-side) between different households.
  • Duration of an entire event should not exceed two hours.
  • Use of face coverings is mandatory.
  • Participants should be notified that:
    • Anyone with any COVID-19-like symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, night sweats, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tiredness, muscle or body aches, headaches, confusion, or loss of sense of taste/smell), must stay home and avoid contact with anyone outside their household.
    • Anyone who develops COVID-19 within 48 hours after attending a gathering should notify the organizer of the gathering and/or other attendees as soon as possible.
    • People at higher risk of severe illness or death from COVID-19 (such as older adults and people with chronic medical conditions) are strongly urged not to attend any gatherings.
    • Everyone at a gathering should wash their hands with soap and water frequently, or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
  • The event, including entry and egress points, should be managed to prevent concentrations of people.
  • Singing, chanting, shouting, cheering, and similar activities are strongly discouraged.
  • For on-campus receptions, access to restrooms should be arranged. Gender-neutral access is encouraged.
  • Facilities for hand washing or hand sanitizers must be available.
  • Access to building spaces (porches, rooftops, etc.) other than restrooms should be coordinated with the local building committee.