In Germany, a group of scientists from the University of Halle conducted this Saturday a cycle of three experimental concerts to study the risk of contagion that exists in mass events. For the recitals, which featured local pop singer Tim Bendzko and took place at the Arena in Leipzig, a total of 4,000 healthy volunteers between the ages of 18 and 50.
As reported by German researchers, the study, which goes by the name Restart-19, aims to obtain a mathematical formula that allows evaluating the impact that a mass meeting can have in a closed environment, amid the coronavirus pandemic.
To do this, the scientists designed three different stages in the Quarterback Immobilien Arena in Leipzig. The goal of the first, they explained, is to simulate the conditions of an event before the pandemic; the second, meanwhile, was a concert with greater hygiene and some social distancing; and the third, finally, was carried out with half of the attendees and with each person 1.5 m away.
With this objective, before entering the venue, all participants’ temperature was taken and a mask and a contact tracker were placed on them to follow their movements. A fluorescent disinfectant to expose the surfaces that are most touched with the naked eye and the path of small particles that can eventually carry the virus through the air was analyzed.
For its realization, the project received funding of $ 1.17 million from the states of Saxony-Anhalt and Saxony.
The results – which could be in the German fall – may help pave the way for the resumption of major indoor sports and music events by determining realistic levels of risk, experts explained.
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