Choir back next week?

[WearyandBleary]

My local church choir is starting rehearsals again next week due to “changes in regulations”. I can’t find that info anywhere: does anyone know more? I’m feeling very uncomfortable about it: lots are elderly and it will mean rehearsals in a large space but no open windows.

here

The gist is, as I understand it, that the droplet generation is comparable to speaking at a similar volume.

But aerosol generation is a problem, and its conclusions are:

"5.4.1. Small venues are likely to pose a significant challenge. Groups who use such venues should maximise ventilation and limit both numbers of people and the duration of activities. Where possible groups are advised to perform in larger spaces if these are available.
5.4.2. All singing and dramatic performances should consider limiting the number of performers and audience members, using larger halls/rooms, limiting the length of the activity, using microphones, and providing fresh air at a rate of at least 10l/s/person. The rate of 10l/s/p reflects building regulations for offices rather than a result of this study so confidence in this figure is lower; the higher the ventilation rate the better. These measures will make transmission unlikely."

My choir leader has said that whilst professionals can resume with mitigation in place, amateur choirs can only return subject to the normal social distancing requirements ie no more than 6 people outdoors, or two households indoors, so not quite sure how that would work for most choirs!

Schools I think are limited to groups of no more than 15.

My choir is continuing on line for the next few months at least

This is the guidance

Sounds like rank stupidity to me, and I don't see how they can comply with the regulations while making it worthwhile. Many churches are big, which is good for space, but don't have enough windows to open for decent airflow. Do they plan to sing quietly outside in a little distanced group while wearing masks? If not, maybe steer clear of that church.

@Seeline - I couldn't see where that covers singing? From a search I actually couldn't find any guidelines explicitly mentioning singing.

The new worship guidance issued on 14 August says this:

Small groups of professional or non-professional singers will be able to sing in front of worshippers both outdoors and indoors from 15 August. Singing in groups should be limited to a small, set group of people and should not include audience participation.

However it also urges caution with older people and other vulnerable. Here is the document:

www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-the-safe-use-of-places-of-worship-during-the-pandemic-from-4-july/covid-19-guidance-for-the-safe-use-of-places-of-worship-during-the-pandemic-from-4-july

Many church musicians are professional, it's not some hobby - they need to be able to work, choir went back last Friday here

Although it sounds from the OP that her choir is amateur.

No they are not professional but will sing in front of an audience. I’m not comfortable with it but won’t be joining in. Many choir members are pretty ancient tbh.

Sounds like complete stupidity and also rather selfish. Elderly people like this, who are also likely to be those moaning about the young breaking the rules, are the exact reason why young people are fed up and are breaking the rules more and more.
If the old want the young to pay 3 times over (in terms of loss of jobs and opportunities now, lost career opportunities long into the future, and higher taxes and lower benefits into the future) the least they can do is take some basic precautions themselves.

Fucking rules about singing, it is like a sick new world.