"Science's COVID-19 reporting is supported by the Pulitzer Center and the Heising-Simons Foundation.
As U.S. schools and colleges debate how to reopen amid the novel coronavirus pandemic, band directors and musicians are wondering when-or whether-music can be played safely. A new study finds that although musical instruments do generate airborne particles that could carry SARS-CoV-2, the risks for performers and audience may be manageable.
There is almost no research on whether musical instruments produce the airborne particles-or aerosols-that can transmit the novel coronavirus. So it's impossible to know whether keeping 2 meters away is enough to stay safe from a trumpet at full blast..."
I have a non-chemical safety question for you. This is a talkative bunch with many opinions on many subjects, so I figured it's okay to be off topic. I am particularly interested in your opinion if you are at an institution in MA. Is
your institution permitting your music/theater folks to do indoor singing or playing of wind instruments for the Fall? Curious of your or your colleagues opinions on this. Mine is that this is currently not permitted under theatre and performance sector
specific MA reopening guidelines (even though those technically apply to only performances and not classes). I think it's splitting hairs to say it's different if they are in front of an audience or not.. What are your thoughts?
Thanks,
Kristi
Kristi Ohr, Ph.D. (pronouns: she/her) Chemical Safety Services Manager
Environmental Health and Safety
UMass Amherst 40 Campus Center Way
Draper Hall
Amherst, MA 01003
Office: 413-545-5117
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