New guidelines confirm carol concerts in Wales can go ahead – but congregations face a silent night

New guidelines have been published by the Welsh Government for singing Christmas carols over the festive period.

Doubts were previously expressed over whether traditional events, such as carol concerts, would still be able to go ahead this year in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

It follows several outbreaks of Covid-19 associated with adult choir rehearsals and performances, as well as in church congregations across the world.

The latest guidance from ministers shows carol services and concerts will be able to take place, including in churches and other venues.

However, while the sound of choirs will be allowed to ring out, congregation members and audiences will be prohibited from singing indoors because of the risk of aerosol transmission.

The information, which was published today, states: “COVID-19 spreads from person to person through small droplets, aerosols and through direct contact.

“Singing, shouting and physical activity increases the risk of transmission through small droplets and aerosols.

“If singing does take place, steps should be taken to reduce the risk of transmission, including limiting the number of people participating as far as possible.

“The cumulative effect of aerosol transmission means the more people involved, the higher the risk of transmission.

“The singing of Christmas carols during the festive period is a traditional part of worship practice for some faith communities but also has a wider place in society at this time of year.

“This guidance is intended to help people to understand how to organise singing, in order to reduce transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19), in a range of settings such as places of worship, door to door or in a shopping centre.”

The information highlights that shouting or singing loudly can produce 20-times the mass of aerosol than speaking at a normal level.

Suggested measures for “safer singing” are included in the guidelines as follows:

1. People with symptoms suggestive of COVID-19, or who are known to have been in recent contact with others who have COVID-19, do not participate in singing or attend singing events
2. Singing takes place only in larger well-ventilated spaces, or outdoors.
3. Performance or rehearsal is for limited periods of time at a reduced level of loudness, using microphones for amplification if available.
4. Limited numbers of people sing together
5. Singers are spaced at least 2 metres apart in all directions or, where physical distancing is reduced, it is only done with mitigating actions and in line with guidance published for the performing arts
6. Wear face coverings during singing indoors, for singers and audience
7. Observe hand and surface hygiene, and do not share items, food or music copies
8. Congregational or communal singing should not take place indoors

The government said it was compulsory for members of the public and employees to wear face coverings in indoor public places and indoors where social distancing cannot be adhered to.

Singing is not directly controlled within the coronavirus regulations.

However, those responsible for regulated premises and organising events must have regard to guidance issued by ministers with a cap on the number of performers and audience members.

It states: “It is worth noting that those taking part in such a service may not be regular attendees at a place of worship so the responsibility of explaining the behaviour expected of those attending including not joining in the singing falls to the organisers of the place of worship.

“Service organisers may wish to consider ticket only admission to ensure capacity numbers are not exceeded and provide the facility to explain requirements in advance.

“Carol services, or singing, can take place outdoors as an organised event, whether that be by a faith group or other institution.

“These events are subject to a cap of 30 people including performers but not the organisers of the event nor to include children under 11.”

Unlike indoor events, those held outdoors can involve communal singing by all attending whether they form part of an organised singing group or not.

Door to door carol singing can also take place as part of an organised outdoor event using professional or amateur singers.

But the government said it was unlikely that carol singing could be performed safely in public areas of indoor shopping centres because of the risk of people congregating as an audience and joining in the singing.

Last month, Clwyd West MS Darren Millar asked for worshippers in Wales to be allowed to attend carol concerts, subject to social distancing measures and the observance of guidelines.

He said: “Obviously, we’ve got the Christmas season that is about to be upon us.

“Many people enjoy going to carol services and participating in worship services at this particular time of the year, and the UK Government has recently made an announcement on principles for safer singing, including in places of worship, which will enable people to get together, provided they are cognisant of social distancing and take other precautions, in order to gather for such worship.

“I would really like the opportunity for people in Wales to enjoy the same privileges, and I wonder whether we could have a statement on this as soon as possible.”

The government has now granted his Christmas wish with full details available here.

Main image: “Bredhurst Woodland Action Group Chrismas Carols Concert”by Jack Picknell is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Lower image: “Carol Singing” by HerryLawford is licensed under CC BY 2.0