International Coalition of Performing Arts Organizations Aerosol Study

November 13, 2020

The third round of preliminary results from the Performing Arts Aerosol Study have been released. Key findings indicate that wearing an appropriate mask and using recommended bell covers can decrease aerosol emissions from between 60 to 90 percent when playing wind instruments, and that using plexiglass partitions can interfere with HVAC systems in rooms. Visit the study site for additional video presentations, updated data, and new CFD modeling.

The second set of preliminary findings from a study on aerosol rates and accumulation from wind instruments and voice was released August 6, 2020, providing preliminary guidance on returning to in-person rehearsals while mitigating the risks associated with COVID-19. The research is being conducted at the University of Colorado and the University of Maryland, and is commissioned by an international coalition of performing arts organizations, including the League. While the findings have yet to be validated, the results so far explore aerosol flow and emissions for the clarinet, oboe, flute, trumpet, horn, low brass, and voice; provide measurements for different mitigation techniques; provide initial modeling of COVID-19 particle concentrations in indoor and outdoor scenarios; and offer general considerations for safer rehearsal practices. The research team cautions that these preliminary results have not yet been tested or peer reviewed, and that final results will not be available until December.  The League is actively monitoring this study and will communicate more findings as they become available.