But during Delaware’s latest coronavirus briefing, health officials raised the concerns of another risk: activities that involve voice projection.
“Singing, cheering, loud speaking, yelling,” listed Delaware Director of Public Health Dr. Karyl Rattay. “It was assumed that aerosolization of these respiratory droplets was happening during these activities, and evolving science is really showing it to be the case.”
So, what can do to make sure others around you are safe?
If you’ll be singing or performing in front of an audience, Rattay recommends wearing a mask to prevent the droplets from spreading — but she knows that’s not always going to happen. If you can’t cover your face, she advised doubling up on social distancing.
“We strongly recommend staying at least 13 feet away from people, facing away from the audience, using a physical barrier, such as a sneeze guard or face shield, to help prevent the spread,” said Rattay, who based all her guidance on a handful of recent coronavirus studies.
She suggested performers should opt for microphones so they don’t have to yell as much. Coaches should use electronic whistles so they don’t have to keep pulling their masks down to use a regular one.
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And musicians: “For wind instruments or other brass instruments, you can use a bell covering on the instrument and a modified face covering for those who are playing these instruments.”
Of course, the biggest concern with any of these activities comes when they happen indoors, where the spread is most likely to occur. But Rattay has a solution for that as well.
“Air out the room for 30 minutes for good ventilation,” she said.