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. 2023 Mar;37(2):292.e9-292.e14.
doi: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2020.11.029. Epub 2020 Dec 23.

High Rate of SARS-CoV-2 Transmission Due to Choir Practice in France at the Beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Nathalie Charlotte  1
Affiliations

High Rate of SARS-CoV-2 Transmission Due to Choir Practice in France at the Beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Nathalie Charlotte. J Voice. 2023 Mar.

Abstract

Objective: To document the case of a high transmission rate of SARS-CoV-2 generating a cluster linked to an indoor choir rehearsal hold at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in France.

Method: Case study. Data were obtained via a questionnaire.

Results: Twenty-seven participants, including 25 singers, 1 conductor and 1 accompanist attended a choir practice on March 12, 2020. The practice was indoor and took place in a non ventilated space of 45 m2. No choir member reported having been symptomatic for COVID-19 between March 2 and March 12.The mean age of the participants was 66.9 (range 35-86) years. The secondary attack rate was 70%: 19/27 participants were diagnosed with COVID-19 from 1 to 12 days after the rehearsal with a median of 5.1 days. Thirty-six percent of the cases needed a hospitalization (7/19), and 21% (4/19) were admitted to an ICU. The index cases were asymptomatic and possibly multiple.

Conclusion: In the absence of valid barrier measures to prevent COVID-19 transmission, indoor choir practice should be suspended during the SARSCoV-2 surging phases. Transmission of the virus among gatherings from asymptomatic cases is a crucial issue and a main challenge to COVID-19 control.

Keywords: Act of singing; Asymptomatic infection carrier; COVID-19; Cluster; Indoor choir practice; Infectious disease transmission.

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Conflict of interest statement

The author has declared no competing interest.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Sketch showing the position of the attendees in the practice room on March 12, 2020.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Incidence of secondary COVID-19 cases among the choir attendees.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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