They claim that these are “based on science” but — how is that even possible?!
It doesn’t make an ounce of sense, but then, this is happening in Canada, so maybe that’s measured in “millilitres.”
Here’s what Canada’s actual state-funded “news” network reported:
Across Canada, many students still aren’t allow to sing or play certain instruments inside school. Federal public health guidance notes that research continues to evolve, and that wind and brass instruments have a “theoretical possibility of increasing the transmission of COVID-19, but the risk is not fully understood.” It recommends some precautions to limit the production and transfer of infectious respiratory droplets.
In July, Saskatchewan gave orchestras and bands the greenlight with a few restrictions, but it’s mostly up to school divisions to figure out how to resume in-person band class safely. In Regina, eight out of nine public high schools are running band, choral and instrumental courses.
School authorities say that they’ve taken a host of precautions to stop the spread of the virus by spacing performers 6-feet apart — that’s “2 metres” in Canada-speak — using face masks with holes cut in them so that they can play their instruments, using “instrument masks,” and leaving the room to “air out” after 30 minutes of playing.
They’ve based their “safety measures” on the recommendations presented by a preliminary study funded by Performing Arts groups to reduce droplets and aerosols.
The recommendations include:
- Maintain a two-metre (6-foot) distance, with more distance for trombone players.
- Limit rehearsal to 30 minutes and then clear the room for a minimum of one air exchange (three air exchanges is better). HEPA filters may also help, depending on the room size.
- Brass players should use a disposable absorbent material to catch spit condensation, such as a “puppy pad.”
- Follow other Centre for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations on hygiene and gathering sizes.
All that and it still sounds like a Canadian high school band.
Why should you care what those Crazy Canucks are doing?
It’s because their research is based on studies done in conjunction with the U.S., so these nutty rules may be coming to a school near you!
…they relied on preliminary findings from an American research project — the COVID-19 Performing Arts Aerosol Study — to determine how to safely teach band class in school.
The study, still in its early stages, was commissioned by more than 125 performing arts organizations in North America, including many in Canada. Researchers in Colorado and Maryland released some general recommendations in July and August, while acknowledging their work had not yet gone through the normal academic review process.
Source: CBC
Oh! So, they’re basing this all on speculation that hasn’t been through an academic review. (Although, those can be fraught with controversy and politics, anyway.)
Blowing air through an instrument is ok but you can’t sing in church — even through a mask.
Seems legit.
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