German researchers simulate a musical concert to examine the covid-19 virus spread

A dedicated team of German researchers of Halle staged a comprehensive self-initiated experimental indoor concert in the presence of 1500 attendees of a musical act — to examine how to curb the spread of the deadly Covid-19 virus at crowdy areas especially in big events. The study was done just as bars and restaurants begin resuming in Europe amidst the ongoing pandemic situation .

As part of the study, each volunteer was provided with a face mask, a contact tracer, and a fluorescent hand gel. While they were enthralled by the performance of German singer-songwriter Tim Bendzko, the scientists on other hand were collecting data to assess how the covid-19 virus could spread among the individuals, where all of them were tested negative for Covid-19 later.

The main objective of the experiment was to delve deeper into how events can be safely conducted during the troubled times, so that authorities can be better prepared, Professor Michael Gekle, the dean of the university’s medical faculty, stated.

The researchers recreated three different scenarios — the first involves a live concert before the pandemic, without any safety measures; the second simulated a concert in the midst of the pandemic, with strict hygienic measures to inhibit the virus spread; and the third included a smaller audience.

The small contact tracking devices and traces left by flouroscent hand gel were utilized to examine how many people came in close vicinity of volunteers, and researchers also ascertained the distance between participants.