The event industry is preparing slowly but surely for a comeback. First test concerts under scientific supervision indicate that large-scale events might soon be possible again – whilst taking the strictesthygiene precautions of course.
Return to normality? More like normality lite!
5000 fans enthusiastically raising their arms to the sound of the indie pop band "Love of Lesbians", dancing to the beat and singing along exuberantly. This was the scene recently in a Spanish concert hall.
In Paris, London and Luxembourg, too, enthusiastic concertgoers lately danced to the sounds of their favorite bands. They did this not just for fun, but in the interest of science. The organisers of the concerts wanted to find out whether large-scale events can be held while adhering to strict safety and hygiene protocols?
Security precautions for the protection of guests
Everyone had to take a COVID-19 antigen test beforehand and present a negative result. Concert guests also had to wear masks. As an additional safety measure, in some cases very powerful ventilation systems were installed.
Strict care was also taken to ensure that the visitors kept their distance in critical areas such as toilets and that there were sufficient dispensers for hand sanitisers across the site. Not just in washrooms, but in all entrance and exit areas.
Scientists are optimistic
The scientists who accompanied the concerts have now published their conclusions. They give reason for hope. "It is highly probable that no one was infected at the concert in Barcelona, even though six concertgoers tested positive two weeks later," says Boris Revello Llibre of the Spanish Trias i Pujol University Hospital. Four have been proven to have been infected elsewhere, and in the case of two visitors, the researchers cannot rule out with absolute certainty that they were infected at the concert. However, they consider it extremely unlikely due to the mandatory use of masks.
Llibre and his colleagues conclude that the whole thing was by no means a "superspreading event”. Similarly hopeful results are also available from the other events. "The existing data gives cause for optimism," says Sven Jäschke, Country Manager Nordic, Central & Eastern Europe at GOJO Industries. "We are keeping our fingers crossed that the event industry will soon be able to make its comeback under new and extremely hygienic conditions, and we are delighted to see this ray of hope."
Stay healthy!
