<html><head><meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"></head><body dir="auto">I do not think all choir members are vaccinated. I certainly am!! But I believe UCM does not have a stringent vaccination rule.<br><br><div dir="ltr">Sent from my iPhone</div><div dir="ltr"><br><blockquote type="cite">On Aug 20, 2021, at 12:44 PM, Heather Moz via Choir <choir@unitarianchurchofmontpelier.org> wrote:<br><br></blockquote></div><blockquote type="cite"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><br><div>Dear Lani,</div><div><br></div><div>I would agree. Of course the MOST important thing about keeping ourselves safe from this virus and the Delta variant is to be vaccinated! I'm assuming, I hope correctly, that this important criteria has been met for our choir rehearsals and future service to the church by all involved in singing.</div><div><br></div><div>Heather</div></div><br><div class="gmail_quote"><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_attr">On Fri, Aug 20, 2021 at 12:31 PM Lani Seifert via Choir <<a href="mailto:choir@unitarianchurchofmontpelier.org">choir@unitarianchurchofmontpelier.org</a>> wrote:<br></div><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin:0px 0px 0px 0.8ex;border-left:1px solid rgb(204,204,204);padding-left:1ex"><div dir="auto">I guess I may have read this too quickly but I did not see any mention of the role of vaccines and a largely vaccinated state. Yes vaccinated people can get COVID and can transmit it in many cases even if they are symptomless. </div><div dir="auto">I am willing to continue to sing, masked. I think the location which Donia has suggested with a very high air exchange rate, along with masking and distancing will be safe enough for me especially if others are vaccinated. </div><div dir="auto">I guess anyone who does not feel safe can skip it until a future time when they believe they are more safe. </div><div dir="auto">Lani</div><div><br><div class="gmail_quote"><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_attr">On Fri, Aug 20, 2021 at 11:44 AM Vicky Viens via Choir <<a href="mailto:choir@unitarianchurchofmontpelier.org" target="_blank">choir@unitarianchurchofmontpelier.org</a>> wrote:<br></div><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin:0px 0px 0px 0.8ex;border-left:1px solid rgb(204,204,204);padding-left:1ex">
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I regret feeling like I need to send this email but I consider it important for all of you to know some facts and my opinion. I feel there is an advocacy of a response to Covid-19 that is in part possibly simple error and in part lack of understanding.</div>
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No it is not safe. That is not my opinion but the opinion of those who have done the research. It is also now the current opinion of the UUA. <a href="https://www.uua.org/pandemics/gathering-guidance/singing" target="_blank">https://www.uua.org/pandemics/gathering-guidance/singing</a>
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Extracted 8/20/21<br>
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No indoor singing at this time.<br>
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For outdoor singing (where outdoor gatherings have been deemed safe), all singers must wear <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2021/02/03/962197192/5-hacks-to-make-your-face-mask-more-protective" target="_blank">well-fitted masks</a> and stay at least 10 to
12 feet apart.<br>
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We know this is hard. You might be asking, "But what about...?" It is impossible to provide simple, useful, universal guidance. Nearly all of our advisors made clear that any form of singing inside a building is problematic and ill-advised for now, especially
as the science around delta transmission is still emerging."<br>
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The studies that the UUA has been using have always indicated masking at all times. They clearly state that their recommendation is not a menu which is contrary to what the UUA did previously.<br>
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There is a clear lack of understanding of aerosols and their properties in choir. For example, this statement makes absolutely no sense even for before Delta.
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"At the end of each 1/2 hour segment, we could take masks off for 5 or 10 minutes to sing maskless. In that amount of time, any aerosols that escape won't have the time to spread, nor would there be long enough exposure to be problematic. We can adjust this
according to current conditions and people's comfort level."<br>
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There is the biggest build up of aerosols from singing at the end of a half hour, which is why the room is cleared to allow air exchange. It would be the MOST DANGEROUS TIME to go maskless. Also aerosols travel very quickly, the speed depending on the motions
of air in the room. Please provide a link that shows aerosols staying around the person who generated them for 5-10 minutes.</div>
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<span style="font-size:11pt">Aerosols are considered the prime factor for spreading. You can feel droplets, like when someone sneezes. You cannot feel aerosols. Masks need to be tight fitting because air travels the fastest</span><span style="font-size:11pt"> through
the points of least resistance. </span></div>
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I am not feeling lucky enough to consider these guidelines safe <span style="font-size:11pt">
at this time. It is always a matter of luck (except for the cases of stupidity). The science is there to increase that luck. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size:11pt">I'm also concerned with a tendency to occasionally ignore the guidelines, or the choice of which guidelines to follow. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size:11pt">Singing together is wonderful. Having our friends sick or dying from Covid is not. The pandemic is still here. I personally am practicing extreme caution for my sake and for others.</span></div>
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May we all continue to be lucky. <span></span></div>
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Vicky</div>
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<div id="gmail-m_-3088730597281200721m_6595002758010696772divRplyFwdMsg" dir="ltr"><font face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size:11pt" color="#000000"><b>From:</b> Choir <<a href="mailto:choir-bounces@unitarianchurchofmontpelier.org" target="_blank">choir-bounces@unitarianchurchofmontpelier.org</a>> on behalf of Tamara via Choir <<a href="mailto:choir@unitarianchurchofmontpelier.org" target="_blank">choir@unitarianchurchofmontpelier.org</a>><br>
<b>Sent:</b> Friday, August 20, 2021 9:36:12 AM<br>
<b>To:</b> Sue Stukey <<a href="mailto:susan.stukey@gmail.com" target="_blank">susan.stukey@gmail.com</a>><br>
<b>Cc:</b> Donia Prince <<a href="mailto:ucm.music21@gmail.com" target="_blank">ucm.music21@gmail.com</a>>; <a href="mailto:choir@unitarianchurchofmontpelier.org" target="_blank">choir@unitarianchurchofmontpelier.org</a> <<a href="mailto:choir@unitarianchurchofmontpelier.org" target="_blank">choir@unitarianchurchofmontpelier.org</a>><br>
<b>Subject:</b> Re: [Choir] Important question--please reply!!!</font>
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<div dir="auto">That sounds like a good plan to start. I will need to get a singer's mask.
<div dir="auto">Tamara</div>
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<div>On Aug 20, 2021 9:18 AM, Sue Stukey via Choir <<a href="mailto:choir@unitarianchurchofmontpelier.org" target="_blank">choir@unitarianchurchofmontpelier.org</a>> wrote:<br type="attribution">
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<div dir="ltr">Hi, all,
<div>This plan seems as safe as it can be and I'd have no qualms about singing with you all.</div>
<div>(are the masks in yet?)</div>
<div>Cheers,</div>
<div>Sue</div>
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<div dir="ltr">On Fri, Aug 20, 2021 at 9:10 AM Donia Prince via Choir <<a href="mailto:choir@unitarianchurchofmontpelier.org" target="_blank">choir@unitarianchurchofmontpelier.org</a>> wrote:<br>
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<div dir="ltr">Hi,<br>
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<div>As we get closer to getting the blessing to hold indoor choir rehearsals, the question has come up from the covid task force of "how safe do choir members feel singing with these guidelines?"</div>
<div>If you think you might participate in choir this fall, could you review this and then answer that question? Just reply to me, for confidentiality and so that no one is influenced by anyone else's response.</div>
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<div><font size="4">Here are the guidelines </font>that have been put out by the group that has been doing the research that is that standard for performing arts organizations:</div>
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<p style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:calibri,sans-serif">-Sing with well-fitting masks</p>
<p style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:calibri,sans-serif">-Keep 6 ft distance</p>
<p style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:calibri,sans-serif">-Rehearse in well-ventilated spaces. Outdoors is best, established HVAC systems next, with air exchange rate of 5 ACH or better. </p>
<p style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:calibri,sans-serif">-Rehearse indoors for no longer than 30 minutes before allowing for a complete air exchange. Outdoors, 60 minute limit.</p>
<p style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:calibri,sans-serif"> </p>
<p style="margin:0in;font-family:calibri,sans-serif">Here is the link to that organization's home page, where you learn more about all of this if you wish. You might want to look at the short video titled "Covid mitigation strategies for choir" which you
can find on that page. <a href="https://www.nfhs.org/articles/unprecedented-international-coalition-led-by-performing-arts-organizations-to-commission-covid-19-study/" target="_blank">https://www.nfhs.org/articles/unprecedented-international-coalition-led-by-performing-arts-organizations-to-commission-covid-19-study/</a></p>
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<div><font size="4">Here is the plan I have proposed:</font></div>
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<div>--<font size="4">Meeting at the large space at the North Branch Nature center.</font></div>
<div><font size="4">They have a new, state of the art HVAC system with an air exchange rate of 9 ACH. (meaning the air is replaced inside 9 times per hour). We can also open windows.<br>
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<div><font size="4">--I measured, and we can fit 25 people singing in there at 6 ft distance. We will be careful about this.</font></div>
<div><font size="4">--Sing with the singer's masks, or ones with equal coverage.</font></div>
<div><font size="4">--We will sing in 3 --1/2 hour segments, with 10 minute breaks out of the room in-between, in order for a complete air exchange to happen. (Total of 2 hours together, 1 -1/2 hours singing)</font></div>
<div><font size="4">--At the end of each 1/2 hour segment, we could take masks off for 5 or 10 minutes to sing maskless. In that amount of time, any aerosols that escape won't have the time to spread, nor would there be long enough exposure to be problematic.
We can adjust this according to current conditions and people's comfort level.</font></div>
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<div><font size="4">So, how safe do you feel singing with these guidelines? Thank you for answering!</font></div>
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<div><font size="4">Donia</font></div>
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</blockquote></div><br clear="all"><div><br></div>-- <br><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_signature"><div dir="ltr"><div><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><br></div><div dir="ltr">Heather</div></div></div></div></div>
<span>Unitarian Church of Montpelier</span><br><span>Choir email list</span><br><span>unsubscribe at www.unitarianchurchofmontpelier.org</span><br></div></blockquote></body></html>