BARCELONA, March 27 (Reuters) – Music fans in Barcelona had a quick COVID-19 test before heading to a rock concert on Saturday in a test that could, if successful, find a way to overcome back to the live music industry that was plundered in Spain and beyond. .
About 5,000 people will attend the sold-out concert for the Spanish indie band Love of Lesbian, and they won’t have to keep an eye on social distance. Attendees must wear face masks throughout the concert in the Palau Sant Jordi area.
“(This show is about the hustle and bustle of going out, wearing culture, and dancing in a relatively safe environment,” said Sebastian, 47, a teacher who is getting a test ahead of the concert. “We’re going to dance and we’ll have a good time. “
The pilot, agreed by health authorities, will test whether similar events can resume.
“It will be safer to be in the Palau Sant Jordi than to walk down the street,” concert co-ordinator Jordi Herreruela told Reuters.
Pre-concert testing was offered at three locations in Barcelona, and was performed by 80 nurses with full personal protective equipment. Some people hibernated when nurses moved their noses.
By noon, of the 2,400 people already screened, three had tested positive and one had approached a positive case, said Dr. Josep Maria Libre, one of the doctors in charge of the test , to Reuters. They would not be able to attend the ceremony and would receive a refund.
Attendees received the results of their antigen tests in 10 to 15 minutes via an app on their phones. The test and mask were included in the ticket price.
“People have a good understanding of the steps we are taking,” said co-ordinator Dani Poveda.
“It’s a very responsible audience … We know that everyone will be looking at this show as a potential model for continuing in the show. the fight against the pandemic, which has done so much damage, both to our region and to many others. “(Reporting by Jordi Rubio and Luis Felipe Castilleja Written by Jessica Jones Edited by Frances Kerry)
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