German Coronavirus: Thousands Turn Out at Tim Bendzko Concert-Don’t worry for science

With the increasing prevalence of infection in many European countries, this dream may be far off for now. However, some music fans in Leipzig, Germany, have been given the opportunity to lock in the name of science for the day with the help of fervent hand sanitizers and electronic trackers.

Researchers in Leipzig, Germany, held an indoor concert on Saturday with 2,000 participants.

Featuring live performances by musician Tim Benzco, the fan was given fans a breathing face mask, a fluorescent hand gel, and an electronic “contact tracker,” a small transmitter that determines the contact rate and contact distance of individual experiment participants. It was done.

Participants wearing FFP2 protective masks participated in a Covid infection risk assessment study conducted at a concert venue in Leipzig, Germany.

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Using contact tracker data, Halle scientists monitored the number of “significant contacts” each participant had at a particular time and place, and the residue left by fluorescent hand gels Identifies surfaces that are frequently touched. Researchers want to use this data to find ways to bring large events back safely.

Professor Michael Geckle, dean of the university’s School of Medicine and professor of physiology, said the experiment was being done to better prepare authorities on how to conduct the event in the coming autumn and winter seasons. I told him.

During the performance, participants wore FFP2 protective face masks.

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“Another blockade is not allowed,” he said. “We need to collect data right now to make valid predictions,” he said.

“If you want to have a life, the risk is not zero. We want to give politicians the tools to reasonably decide whether to allow such an event. They will need to have tools to predict the number of additional infected people, and such events will be generated.”

Researchers instructed volunteers to perform three scenarios. One is a scenario that simulates a concert coronavirus, another is a scenario that simulates a concert during a pandemic, one with improved hygiene measures, and a third is a scenario with fewer participants. Scientists collect data, apply mathematical models, evaluate hygiene interventions, and conclude by year’s end.

Singer Tim Benzko performed for volunteers during the study.

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Researchers believe that an experiment of this magnitude was the first in Europe to take place, but different considerations depend on the type of event, the behavior of concert participants, and whether patrons are allowed to consume alcohol. Has to apply.

“Of course the concert with Ramstein would be different,” he said.

Gekle told CNN that due to the low prevalence of viruses in Saxony and Lower Saxony, participants in the study were subjected to a corona virus test 48 hours before participation and wore masks during the show. The risk of volunteers was low. “It’s safer than flying to Mallorca,” he said.

The number of coronavirus infections in Germany has risen again since the end of July. On Saturday, the country saw the highest number of daily infections with 2,034 new cases of Covid-19 since April 26, according to the Robert Koch Institute, a center for disease and control in the country.

The experiment may have been controlled, but for some-in spite of the lack of alcohol-it felt like it had returned to normal.

Participants underwent a coronavirus test before being admitted to the study and a temperature test upon arrival.

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“This was the first real applause in a few months,” Benzko told CNN. “The atmosphere is amazingly good. It felt like a real concert.

“I want to be able to play at a big concert again someday,” he said. “But we understand that we now have to co-exist with viruses and bear certain risks.”

Elli Blesz, 20, from Leipzig, told CNN:

“It was a bit weird,” said Kirastets, a 26-year-old student who attended a concert with her husband. Recalling one of the pre-coronavirus simulations with members of the audience sitting together, she said, “At first, it felt like it was almost wrong for everyone to come together.! But It was really cool and I couldn’t believe we were in the actual concert again!”

Organizers around the world are soaking their toes in the water to see when and how live events can resume in a world afflicted with the coronavirus pandemic. In the UK, event organizers attempted purposeful social concerts outdoors at a remote concert venue. Regular customers sat in distant hills in a small group.

Nadine Schmidt reports from Leipzig, Germany. Amy Woodyatt wrote from London.