Alberta loosens rules for singing, wind instruments as long as precautions taken

EDMONTON — Alberta’s top doctor says people can sing and play wind instruments indoors once again, provided COVID-19 precautions are in place.

Dr. Deena Hinshaw says those activities were severely restricted because they were thought to pose unique risks of spreading the virus.

But she says new evidence shows they can be done safely with certain safeguards.

Limited band practices, singing, and wind instrument concerts are allowed as long as there’s proper physical distancing, enhanced cleaning and other precautions.

Choirs can restart with maximum size limits and masks, but audience singing is still not allowed.

Alberta reported 111 new COVID-19 cases in Friday’s update and one new death.

There are 1,444 active cases with 41 in hospital and six in intensive care.

Hinshaw also says there are 29 schools where someone attended while infectious with COVID-19 and that 32 cases have been linked to those schools.

This report by the Canadian Press was first published on Sept. 11, 2020.

The Canadian Press