Corona spacing in the orchestra
A study by the LMU Klinikum München, the University Hospital Erlangen and Bayerischer Rundfunk on coronavirus infection risks has produced further results on distancing in the orchestra.
The evaluation of the data focused on aerosol dispersion when playing wind instruments, which was investigated with members of the BR Symphony Orchestra. According to the results, the distances in the orchestra could be smaller than currently recommended, at least to the sides. The research was funded by the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts.
The evaluation of the measurements of the aerosol clouds emitted showed that the musicians should keep a greater distance from their colleagues at the front than from the side. Always assuming that the room is permanently ventilated and the aerosols are regularly removed by fresh air.
For the trumpet and clarinet, the average distance of the cloud from the mouth was measured at 0.9 meters. However, individual musicians also reached distances of 1.5 meters, so that safety distances of 2 meters to the front seem reasonable. In the case of the transverse flute, however, the measured impulse radiation to the front via the mouthpiece even reached distances of up to 2 meters. Therefore, a safety distance of 2 meters is too small and 3 meters is appropriate. The radiation to the side remained under one meter for all musicians. A safety distance of 1.5 meters therefore seems sufficient, in contrast to the previously recommended 2 meters.
Original article:
https://www.lmu-klinikum.de/aktuelles/pressemitteilungen/ergebnisse-aus-aerosol-studie-mit-dem-symphonieorchester-des-br/99facfa2b6c72864
