Effects of infection control measures towards preventing SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks in a German choir boarding school from March 2020 to April 2022.
SARS-CoV-2
bundle strategy
choir singing
outbreaks
rRT-PCR pool-testing
Journal
Frontiers in pediatrics
ISSN: 2296-2360
Titre abrégé: Front Pediatr
Pays: Switzerland
ID NLM: 101615492
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
2023
2023
Historique:
received:
02
05
2023
accepted:
25
07
2023
medline:
24
8
2023
pubmed:
24
8
2023
entrez:
24
8
2023
Statut:
epublish
Résumé
Singing in a choir was associated with larger outbreaks in the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. We report on the effect and acceptance of various infection control measures on the occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 infections in the world famous Domspatzen boys' choir from March 2020 to April 2022. In addition to basic general hygiene measures, systematic rRT-PCR testing and scientifically approved concepts of distancing during singing were applied. While single infections of choir members could not be avoided, singing-related outbreaks were not observed. Until the Omicron variant emerged, potential transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in the school was limited to only one case. Incidences at the school were never higher than in the comparable general population until then. While the impact of the pandemic on daily life and singing was rated as severe, especially by staff members, most students agreed with the usefulness of protection measures and rated them as acceptable. Students viewed regular testing as the most important tool to increase safety in the school. A bundle of infection control measures including regular testing can prevent outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 even in the setting of choir singing. Measures are acceptable for choir members if they allow to continue with singing and performing.
Sections du résumé
Background
UNASSIGNED
Singing in a choir was associated with larger outbreaks in the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
Materials and methods
UNASSIGNED
We report on the effect and acceptance of various infection control measures on the occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 infections in the world famous Domspatzen boys' choir from March 2020 to April 2022.
Results
UNASSIGNED
In addition to basic general hygiene measures, systematic rRT-PCR testing and scientifically approved concepts of distancing during singing were applied. While single infections of choir members could not be avoided, singing-related outbreaks were not observed. Until the Omicron variant emerged, potential transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in the school was limited to only one case. Incidences at the school were never higher than in the comparable general population until then. While the impact of the pandemic on daily life and singing was rated as severe, especially by staff members, most students agreed with the usefulness of protection measures and rated them as acceptable. Students viewed regular testing as the most important tool to increase safety in the school.
Discussion
UNASSIGNED
A bundle of infection control measures including regular testing can prevent outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 even in the setting of choir singing. Measures are acceptable for choir members if they allow to continue with singing and performing.
Identifiants
pubmed: 37614901
doi: 10.3389/fped.2023.1215678
pmc: PMC10442800
doi:
Types de publication
Journal Article
Langues
eng
Pagination
1215678Informations de copyright
© 2023 Lampl, Schöberl, Atzenbeck, Erdl, Dillitzer, Wallbrecher, Weigl, Sauer, Kheiroddin, Niggel, Mauerer, Ambrosch and Kabesch.
Déclaration de conflit d'intérêts
JN was employed by MaganaMed GmbH. RM was employed by Synlab Weiden GmbH. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
Références
Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020 Dec 17;12:CD013812
pubmed: 33331665
Front Pediatr. 2021 Oct 04;9:678937
pubmed: 34671582
J Voice. 2023 Mar;37(2):292.e9-292.e14
pubmed: 33386191
J Voice. 2023 Mar;37(2):292.e1-292.e8
pubmed: 33583675
Emerg Infect Dis. 2021 Jun;27(6):1677-1680
pubmed: 33818372
Clin Infect Dis. 2021 May 18;72(10):e639-e641
pubmed: 32945338
MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2020 May 15;69(19):606-610
pubmed: 32407303
Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2020 Dec 1;202(11):1584-1587
pubmed: 33064957
J Voice. 2021 Nov 27;:
pubmed: 34906415
Clin Chem Lab Med. 2021 Jan 20;59(6):e243-e245
pubmed: 33470953
J Hosp Infect. 2022 Sep;127:69-76
pubmed: 35671860
Front Pediatr. 2021 Oct 28;9:721518
pubmed: 34778127