The Daily The Sunday Read: ‘Voices Carry’
Apr 18, 2021
A community choir's rehearsal became one of the first documented superspreader events of the pandemic, leading to tragic illness and loss among its members. As they navigate the emotional scars, the journey to sing together again highlights resilience and innovation. The choir's director and singers share their struggles with breath control and grief, adapting to new ways of expressing joy through music. This poignant tale reveals the transformative power of choral traditions, even amidst a global health crisis.
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Skagit Valley Chorale Superspreader Event
- The Skagit Valley Chorale held a rehearsal on March 10, 2020, despite an advisory to cancel gatherings.
- This event became a superspreader event, resulting in 53 infections and two deaths, highlighting the risks of singing during the pandemic's early stages.
Aerosol Transmission
- The Skagit Valley Chorale case raised questions about the dominant mode of transmission, challenging the then-prominent theory of fomite and droplet spread.
- The high infection rate suggested aerosol transmission played a significant role, as it was unlikely everyone touched the same surfaces or stood close together.
Public Backlash and Privacy Concerns
- The choir's transparency led to public scrutiny and blame, highlighting the challenges of balancing public health and individual privacy during a pandemic.
- Health officials aimed to protect the choir from backlash, while the choir faced negative comments and accusations, despite cooperating with authorities.