The UK Music Industry Association have reported that, although UK COVID-19 restrictions were relaxed on July 19th, the Government website makes it clear that the virus ‘will be a feature of our lives for the foreseeable future’ and that managing risks is essential.
In the U.S.A, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) have been working in coalition on a study of the potential risks posed by aerosol droplets emitted when playing brass and woodwind instruments.
(You can read the full article; Unprecedented International Coalition led by Performing Arts Organisations to Commission COVID-19 Study, here.)
They have made the following key recommendations:
✔️ Use bell covers on instruments to capture aerosol particles.
✔️ Ensure good ventilation to enable higher air change rates in areas where playing is taking place
✔️ Adopt sensible timings for playing activity, with 15 minutes being recommended in most average rooms.
We share this with you in the hope it will help provide continued guidance and keep our musical community as safe as possible.
If you haven’t yet got a bell cover and would like one, we have them available here.