Ultimate Classic Rock (08/23/20) Kielty, Martin

An experimental concert held on Aug. 22 in Germany sought to examine how COVID-19 can spread at indoor events, with roughly 1,500 fans gathered in Leipzig for a performance by Tim Bendzko. Volunteers were given pre-entry tests and face masks, fluorescent hand gel, and motion transmitters for analysis of three scenarios: a "traditional" live event, a crowded show with more hygiene restrictions, and a third show that enforced social distancing and had fewer people. University of Halle scientists will use the collected data to assemble a profile of "critical contacts" that can occur during a concert, in the hope that these findings can help minimize risk of infection as the live music industry tries to return to full operation. "We want to give the politicians a tool in order to decide rationally whether to allow such an event or not," said Halle professor Michael Gekle. "That means they have to have the tool to predict how many additional infected people such an event will produce."

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