In my four years as a K-Pop fan, I’ve attended over a dozen concerts and I can tell you that every show is unique, with its own share of defining moments. But, perhaps, SEVENTEEN World Tour: Ode To You in Manila stands out among the most memorable ones on my list.
The days leading to concert day were agonising, to say the least. With the recent coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak—and the World Health Organization declaring it an international emergency—local Carats were in doubt whether the show will push through or not.
Needless to say, we were well aware about the risks. Flying a 13-member band with their staff to Manila from Seoul during the height of the outbreak didn’t sound like good idea—neither was packing thousands of people from different parts of the world in an arena for a three-hour concert.
Some fans who’ve already got tickets were even contemplating skipping the show, and it’s not hard to understand why. K-Pop events were also being postponed or cancelled in the Philippines and abroad.
Really, the odds of OTY’s Manila leg getting cancelled were pretty high, and despite being hopeful, we were also preparing ourselves for the worst news. Considering SEVENTEEN’s packed schedule for the rest of the year, we knew there was simply no way they could squeeze in world tour stops if they were to postpone the upcoming shows—it’s either they cancel or push through. And fortunately for PH Carats, it was the latter.
But, of course, with conditions.
Every concert-goer was subjected to a health check and was required to submit a declaration form containing essential information including their recent travel history. The local organiser also imposed a no-mask-no-entry policy and urged attendees to disinfect their hands regularly with rubbing alcohol or a hand sanitiser.
Those who appeared unwell or exceeded the normal body temperature upon checking were ushered to a separate holding area to cool down. If their conditions showed no improvement, they wouldn’t be allowed to attend the concert and would be issued a full refund.
Nerve-wracking? It was, especially for a hypochondriac like me. In fact, I was checked thrice, as my temperature hit 37.3°C.
I wasn’t feeling feverish that day, but I had been staying in an air-conditioned cafe for about six hours before the concert and spent a few good minutes walking under the heat of the sun to the venue’s entrance. My body probably short-circuited or something.
The health/security officer eventually let me in (whew) and I had yet another amazing night with SEVENTEEN and my Carat buddies.
If you are attending a concert or any other mass gathering during a virus outbreak, here are some tips I can share with you:
Think again if you really, really have to go to the event.
Is it really that important? Is it a once in a lifetime experience? Is it an event that you’ve spent a lot on? If yes, can you get refunds? These are some questions you might want to ask yourself.
I get that concerts are not worth risking one’s health for either, but with OTY in Manila, the stringent pre-show safety precautions and measures gave me some peace of mind, so I decided to attend it.
Now, if the event you’re catching isn’t as strict or doesn’t seem to prioritise the safety of everyone involved, then all the more you have to think twice.
Keep a close watch on your health.
This should go without saying. But in case you haven’t realised it yet, it’s crucial to take care of yourself, especially on the days leading to the event.
If you feel something off before D-Day, go see a doctor immediately and seek their advice regarding attending the concert or whatever it is you’re looking forward to. If they say it would be best for you to stay at home and rest, take their word.
Be considerate enough not to expose perfectly healthy attendees to infection. And besides, will you really enjoy a the event when you’re feeling ill?
Stay tuned for updates from the event’s organisers.
Check their SNS pages and websites every now and then for updates on health protocols to be implemented and if there will be changes made to the event—be it schedule adjustments or perk replacements.
Prepare your arsenal.
Aside from the stuff you normally bring with you to a concert or a similar event, you it’s highly encouraged that you bring the following, too, during a virus outbreak:
- Face Masks – bring extras, since you have to change the one you’re wearing every few hours or when it’s become moist.
- Rubbing Alcohol or Hand Sanitiser – disinfect your hands often, especially if a lavatory is not accessible from where you are.
- Paracetamol – if you suddenly feel ill on D-Day, take some paracetamol and approach paramedics onsite to get yourself checked.
Be mindful of your surroundings.
Avoid close contact with anybody who is coughing, sneezing, or just looks unwell—better safe than sorry.
Follow the event’s protocols.
Be a responsible attendee and stick to the rules set by the organisers for a successful event. After all it’s for the good of everyone.
That’s pretty much it! If you’ve got some more tips to share, please do post them in the comments.
Stay safe, everyone!
Fangirl On The Go 