With visitors from across the globe travelling to Liverpool for one of the most exciting musical events of the year – the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Liverpool City Council want to make sure people enjoy a happy and healthy Eurovision Song Contest 2023.
Liverpool is preparing to host the world-famous Eurovision Song Contest from 1st – 14th May and will be welcoming thousands of people to the city for a nine-day celebration of music and unity.
The UKHSA hopes everyone enjoys #Eurovision2023 and has teamed up with Liverpool City Council’s Public Health team to share some top tips on how to stay safe and well.
5 Top Tips for a happy and healthy Eurovision experience:
1) #StayAtHome if you don’t feel well – you don’t want to spread any illness to others and you could feel much worse in crowds. Ideally, you should be up to date with your #MMR, #MenACWY and #COVID19 vaccines.
2) #WashYourHands regularly – using soap and water, especially after going to the toilet and before eating, to help prevent catching and spreading any infections including stomach bugs. Also, take hand sanitiser with you.
3) #CatchCoughsAndSneezes – catch them in a tissue and throw away to help reduce the spread of germs.
4) #PracticeSafeSex – whilst getting into the party spirit, remember to #UseCondoms to make sure you take home nothing but happy memories and #GetTested for #STIs if you have condomless sex.
5) Be #WeatherAware and stay hydrated – carry plenty of water when travelling and attending events. Also limit alcohol consumption, which increases dehydration and can affect your decisions. If the weather is hot, apply sunscreen with UVA and UVB filters whilst outdoors.
Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, Regional Deputy Director for UKHSA North West, said: “Eurovision provides a wonderful opportunity for people to be United by Music but with so many people coming together to watch the concerts and enjoy the activities taking place in the city, there is a greater risk of spreading infections, whether it’s a stomach bug that can spread by poor hand hygiene or infections such as COVID-19 – in both instances, it’s best to stay at home if you’re ill.
“If you’re attending the event, you should also ensure that you’re up to date with your routine vaccinations, like MMR, MenACWY and COVID19 before mixing with lots of people.”
Prof Matt Ashton, Director of Public Health for Liverpool City Council, added: “We want everyone visiting Eurovision Liverpool 2023 to have a great time and stay healthy – whether it’s taking care to stay hydrated and sun safe to making sure you wash your hands regularly, so you don’t get ill from any stomach bugs.
“There will be a real party atmosphere in the city, with the Eurovision Village and lots of venues hosting Euro parties. Have fun but make sure you practice safe sex and use condoms to prevent spread of sexually transmitted infections. If you do have condomless sex, find your nearest sexual health clinic and get yourself tested for STIs.”
“Enjoy Eurovision safely.”
