San Diego Union-Tribune (Sunday)
TOO SOON TO HOLD CONCERTS?
Some large festivals and shows were canceled recently as COVID-19 cases rise. Economists and executives weigh in.
ECONOMISTS NO
Most infections are now spread among individuals choosing to be unvaccinated. Among 385,000 attendees at a recent Lollapalooza concert in Chicago, only 203 became infected (with some having experienced symptoms before the concert). The infection rate of 0.05 percent was anticipated and so far not linked with any hospitalizations or deaths. Attendance at large events may require proof to be shown of vaccination or negative COVID tests taken within 72 hours of the event.
YES
This is an example of the economic and cultural price that we are all paying as a result of the selfishness of anti-vaxxers. Our society cannot normalize, and there is no better illustration than larger gatherings like concerts. I guess that I would be OK with proof of vaccination and masks. But this is just so sad and unnecessary. Sure it impacts the talent, but it also costs the ticket takers, the venders, the security persons and the cleanup crew. It’s hard to be on the fence on this issue.
NO
Safety protocols can be put in place to manage risk, including a requirement that attendees show proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID test to enter the concert venue. Over the summer and early fall, many of the large concerts will be held outdoors. The scheduling of live concerts will allow the sector to recover, which will benefit the significant numbers of workers employed by touring companies and concert venues.
YES
With the rapid spread of the Delta variant, safety would argue against large concerts at this time. With no attendance restrictions and the still large number of unvaccinated Americans, the proximity of large numbers of people could fuel new COVID surges. Even if vaccinations or proof of negative COVID tests are required, the logistics of verifying and checking people in could blunt the actual effectiveness of such policies. Best to wait until the Delta-fed surge subsides.
EXECUTIVES NO
As long as every attendee and employee has verified they have been vaccinated. I realize that is an onerous undertaking but it needs to be the price of admission. A negative COVID test is not enough. I put this up there with mandatory motorcycle helmets. Sometimes the law has to mandate common sense. Attending an event with thousands of people and asking for them to be masked is impossible. Unvaccinated people have to realize there is a price to pay for their decision to not be willing to easily protect their family, friends and fellow attendees from this illness.
NO
As long as it is outdoors. We have been able to enjoy outdoor sporting events and theme parks for several months now. To my knowledge, no COVID outbreaks have been attributed to these outdoor events or activities. My answer would change to yes for holding large indoor concerts or events. Bringing together thousands of people into an enclosed space for several hours isn’t a good idea. We should take time to better understand the long-term effectiveness of the vaccines and continue to remain cautious due to the emerging variants, especially with large indoor gatherings.
YES
At the minimum, proof of vaccine or a negative COVID-19 test should be required for all indoor or outdoor large concerts. These concerts should have spacing guidelines for distancing, mask requirements if indoors and readily available hand sanitizing stations. I believe the best way to avoid problems is to have large concerts that are scheduled for this fall to either cut attendance via distancing or postpone the concert.
YES
The Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus is very contagious and is causing a significant increase in hospitalizations, particularly with the unvaccinated. Concerts can turn into superspreader events. This is not the time for large group gatherings where people are close together. But if concerts are held, vaccines and masks should be mandated. Otherwise, we run the risk of worsening an already terrible pandemic.