Singing, screaming make it to list of high-risk activities

BERLIN: Hardly considered an extreme activity up to now, singing - especially choral singing - is quickly earning a reputation in the pandemic as about the most dangerous thing you can do.

Five days after the Berlin Cathedral Choir gathered for a rehearsal on March 9, one of the ensemble’s 80 singers contacted choir director Tobias Brommann to say she had tested positive for Covid-19.

Within two weeks, around 30 members had tested positive and a further 30 were showing symptoms - including Brommann himself.

Similar horror stories have emerged from choirs around the world, including one in Amsterdam where 102 singers are reported to have fallen sick with Covid-19.

Anecdotal evidence has been enough to convince German authorities that singing is a particularly high-risk activity.

In recommendations for the resumption of church services published in April, the federal government stated that singing should be avoided “because of the increased production of potentially infectious droplets, which can be spread over greater distances”. Several states have heeded the advice and banned singing from services.

JAPAN: NO SCREAMING ON ROLLER-COASTERS

TOKYO: As Japan’s funfairs slowly reopen, a group of park operators have released joint guidelines on how to operate safely under the threat of the virus.

Thrill-seekers will be asked to wear masks at all times and “refrain from vocalising loudly” on rollercoasters and other rides.

Superheroes engaged in fights with evil villains should also avoid whipping up support from spectators to prevent screams and potentially coronavirus laden droplets - from flying through the air. Virtual reality attractions should not operate unless the special glasses can be fully sanitised, guidelines say.