Ohio Music Education Association Shares Commissioned Study Results on COVID-19

The Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) shared commissioned study results on COVID-19 in a letter on July 13.

“On an international scale, a number of performing arts organizations joined forces to commission a study on the effects of COVID-19 on the return to the rehearsal hall,” the letter reads. “This coalition had the foresight to determine and understand what risks exist in performing arts classrooms and performance venues. Specifically, the study examined aerosol rates produced by wind instrumentalists, vocalists, and even actors, and how quickly those aerosol rates accumulate in a space.”

The results of the study can be found on the NFHS in a PDF here.

“We suggest each of you read and understand all of the information included in this email,” the letter elaborates. “We stress that the data in this report is preliminary and the final data is expected in December of 2020. Additionally, the results regarding vocalists and actors are scheduled for release on July 25. It is our recommendation that you make this information available to your school administration and particularly to those members of your school community who are responsible for HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) operation and maintenance.”