Making Experiments On The Spread Of COVID-19, England Holds A Concert With An Audience Without Masks

Illustration (Unsplash)

JAKARTA - The UK is holding an experiment on the spread of COVID-19 through a music festival, where spectators who are declared COVID-19 free are allowed to watch concerts without masks but keep their distance.

Approximately 5,000 people attended the concert which was held at the birthplace of The Beatles band, Liverpool. Five days after the event, viewers are required to take a COVID-19 test.

Their data will be used by the government's Event Research Program to help understand the influence of crowds on the spread of the Coronavirus.

But the scientific side of the show seemed to be ignored by the audience because they were so engrossed in enjoying the music at Sefton Park.

"It feels so good, it's so amazing. It's been too long," said Meghan Butler, a 19-year-old student.

Melvin Benn, Festival Republic's managing director said he hopes his pilot project will play an important role in regaining permission to host outdoor events on this year's calendar.

"Once the audience enters the show, they can party as if this is 2019," he said. "You can feel that the load in the last 12 months, the last 15 months, has lifted a little."

Host for the music festival, which is being held on Sunday, May 2, will include local singer-songwriter Zuzu, newcomer indie group The Lathums and the band Blossoms.

"It's been 413 days since we were last on stage. It's been a long time and we are happy to be here," said Blossoms vocalist Tom Ogden.

The music festival lasts less than 6 hours and finishes at 10pm due to curfew restrictions in the UK. Even though it felt short, the spectators who were present looked enthusiastic and couldn't wait to get back to enjoying a similar moment. "Let's enjoy life, let's get back to normal!" said one spectator, 25-year-old Harry Smith.