Mass Gatherings
Know before you go - prepare and protect yourself
Please review the following tips for keeping you and your family safe during events.
How to stay safe
Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in large crowds.
Locate emergency exits upon arrival.
Identify where on-site emergency medical services are located.
Arrange a place to meet your family or travel companions in case you become separated.
In the event of a fire, stay low on the ground where air is cleaner, as heat and smoke rise.
Keep your hands in front of your chest, like a boxer, to protect your breathing space.
Maintain firm footing and try to stay upright.
Do not push against the crowd or resist its movement.
When movement slows, gradually work your way diagonally to the edge of the crowd.
If you fall, protect yourself by curling into a ball.
Stay calm and get back on your feet as quickly as possible.
Safety guide
Large international events like the World Cup can spread infectious diseases. To protect yourself and others:
Before traveling, make sure you are up to date on recommended vaccines, including routine vaccines such as COVID-19 and flu. Additional vaccines may be recommended based on your destination, age, health status, and vaccination history.
Additional prevention vaccines: Depending on your individual risk and planned activities, this may include vaccines that help prevent infections such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and Mpox.
Look for symptoms of COVID-19, flu, measles, etc.
Stay home (or in your hotel or accommodations) if you are sick
Follow guidance to protect yourself from respiratory illnesses
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
For those who may be at risk, please consider treatment like pre- or post-exposure prophylaxis
If you are sick or hurt during the celebrations, find out how and where to get medical care:
For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. The operator will ask for your location and the type of emergency. Stay on the line and follow instructions.
Only visit a hospital emergency department for severe illness or injury
Go to an urgent care center for mild illnesses and minor injuries
If you are traveling, remember to bring your regular prescription medication with you.
Eat thoroughly cooked food
Wash fruits and vegetables
Keep food at a safe temperature
Avoid perishable food that has been at or above room temperature for more than two hours
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Seek medical care for sudden diarrhea, vomiting and stomach cramps. And be prepared to share information about the meal that you believe made you sick with your healthcare provider.
To avoid getting sick from the heat and sun:
Drink plenty of water throughout the day even when you are not thirsty. Coffee, soda, and alcohol may dehydrate you, so follow them with water.
Seek shade and take breaks from the sun throughout the day. Use air conditioning if available. Otherwise, use fans, take cool showers, or visit public spaces like shopping malls or libraries.
Wear sunglasses and sunscreen (SPF of at least 30). Apply sunscreen 15-20 minutes before going outside and again every two hours. Wear protective clothing that is light and breathable to avoid sunburn.
Limit outdoor activities during the hottest hours (10 a.m.–4 p.m.) when possible.
Check for symptoms of heat-related illness. These include heavy sweating, shortness of breath, dizziness, and more.
Ticks and mosquitoes can carry diseases that make you sick if they bite you. Protect yourself from tick and mosquito bites:
Use EPA-approved tick repellent anytime you’re outdoors
Wear long-sleeved clothing and socks to reduce exposed skin when weather permits
Check yourself and children for ticks as soon as you come inside
Shower to rinse off ticks before they become attached
Put your clothes in the dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to help kill ticks
If you find a tick attached to your skin, remove it promptly
Schedule outdoor activities to avoid the hours from dusk to dawn to avoid mosquitoes
Resources
Safety for Soccer Fans CDC Safety for Soccer Fans | CDC
Learn more about Mass Gatherings | CDC Mass Gatherings