Starting today, indoor singing can legally start again with social distancing.
Over the last year, we've learned a lot about how singing can easily spread the coronavirus. But when it comes to saying definitively whether it's safe to see singing indoors — or sing yourself — the answer seems to be: It depends.
Dr. Phillip Song is the director of laryngology at Massachusetts Eye and Ear. He said that right now, we should opt for outdoor singing until more people are vaccinated. And while the vaccines will mostly protect audiences and singers from the virus and its variants no matter the venue, it's still best to wear masks and socially distance right now — especially if you're inside.
"We can start singing safely as more people get vaccinated and we start to achieve quote-unquote herd immunity, and I think there's no substitution for that," Song said.
Until then, if indoor performances are still in the cards, Song suggests starting with a piecemeal approach in well-ventilated rooms.
Then, we heard about a first-of-its-kind program at the Middlesex Jail and House of Corrections from Sheriff Peter Koutoujian. The facility is partnering with the Cambridge company Biobot Analytics to test for COVID-19 in its wastewater.
Click on the audio player above to listen to the full episode.
Segments:
Dr. Phillip Song - 2:31
Peter Koutoujian - 16:31
