Current Guidelines for Aerosol Generating Performing Arts Activities

UPDATED March 14, 2022

Singing and playing wind instruments may generate large amounts of aerosols and thus pose a higher risk of spreading COVID-19. Wearing a specialized mask when conducting these activities, as well as placing filtering bell covers on wind instruments, can significantly reduce this risk.

The following guidelines are currently in effect for all curricular and co-curricular aerosol-generating performing arts activities. They will be reassessed on a regular basis by Environmental Health and Safety.

Outdoors

There are no restrictions at this time; however, instrument bell covers reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. It is prudent to maintain at least 8 feet of physical distance between the performers and others.

Indoors

Individuals who are released from isolation before day 10 must wear a tight-fitting mask, such as a KN95 when around other people, including roommates, through day 10. Only those performance activities that can be done with a tight-fitting mask are permitted on days 6 through 10 of isolation.

Individuals who have been identified as a close contact of someone who tested positive with COVID-19 must also wear a tight-fitting mask around other people for 10 days and must follow the above guidelines.

No other mitigations measures are required.

Masking Recommendations

While not required outside of the above situations, masks and instrument filters continue to be effective in reducing the risk of transmission and may be worn as follows:

Singing:

  • Wear an ASTM Level 3 or NATS-TMF Vocal Performance Masks*

Playing Wind Instruments:

  • Wear an ASTM Level 3 masks* with a slit opening and tightly fitted instrument bell covers fashioned out of ASTM level 3 mask material or made of MERV-13 or higher filter material.
  • Use absorptive drip pads to collect effluent when playing wind instruments indoors.

*Other commercially available options may be considered in consultation with EHS.

Performances:

  • As possible, maintain at least 8 feet of physical distance between the performers and others.

Follow the Guidance for Conferences and Events and the Visitor Policy , as appropriate.

 

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