The Government has updated the guidance on social distancing, after the finding that singing poses no more risk than talking when it comes to spreading coronavirus – the study was released by University of Bristol and backed by Public Health England and the government Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), testing how aerosols are spread during singing.
Now, two-metre social distancing is encouraged for singers and musicians, if possible.
If it is not possible, artists will continue with ‘one-metre-plus’ distance and regular Covid-19 testing.
Until now, singers were required to observe the three metres rule, whereas non-singing performers could be two metres apart.
A statement from the Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre said: “We welcome the very significant findings from these recent scientific studies – they enable all activities to take place under the same risk-controlled conditions, and in particular mean that singing no longer has special restrictions on it.”