We’ll be back in the theaters — performers will be performing, audiences will be enjoying it. It will happen.
Dr. Anthony Fauchi
United States Chief Medical Advisor
Via The New York Times
In March 2020, the entire world was shocked as we began to battle one of the most deadly pandemics in history. Countries from around the world were dumbfounded and had no idea how to react (despite being warned by experts for years that this was inevitable) and we found ourselves in a horrific state of terror, fear and anxiety as we have been gripped by this terrible pandemic.
Millions of people have lost their lives; and despite the continued efforts to produce and roll out vaccinations, this is sadly is something we will have to live with for an extended period of time.
As lockdown measures came into place around the globe, many businesses were forced to shut their doors in order to protect public health and safety; however, at the same time the economic impact has too, been devastating – many of those who have closed their doors will be unable to open them once again.
Unfortunately, one of the hardest hit sectors has been the music and nightlife industries, which have been battered financially and received little assistance across the globe. Governments have continued to put big businesses, powerful people and destructive, harmful industries above that of arts and culture – disappointing, but not surprising.
However in a recent statement; Dr. Anthony Fauchi, who is the United States’ Chief Medical Advisor has said that he believes full capacity shows will likely be returning to the United States in Autumn (which is around September / October; Spring in countries in the Southern Hemisphere).
On Saturday the 9th of January, Dr. Fauchi spoke for the Association of Performing Arts Professionals stating that he believes that due to the vaccination roll-out currently happening in the USA, venues and theatres should be able to re-open “some time in the fall of 2021”.
In a statement to The New York Times Fauchi stated:
If everything goes right, this will occur some time in the fall of 2021 – so that by the time we get to the early to mid-fall, you can have people feeling safe performing onstage as well as people in the audience.
Dr. Anthony Fauchi via The New York Times
Dr. Fauchi went on to explain that in order to build herd immunity 75% to 80% of the population will need to be vaccinated.
While we appreciate the optimism for the American publics live music scene, we find this to still be worrying, especially considering the socio-political crisis in the USA. Aside from literally everything else happening in the country, large amounts of conspiracy theorists are spreading nonsensical misinformation about vaccines.
For those who are unsure, herd immunity refers to the eradication of a disease by vaccinating the majority of the population as those who are vaccinated develop antibodies in their system that are able to fight off the virus. Antibodies are the cells in your body that prevent you from getting sick, or fight off an illness you may have such as common influenza.
When the majority of people in a city or country are vaccinated the community at large develops immunity toward the virus; as with the correct antibodies fighting off the virus, this can likely lead to the complete eradication of the virus itself – as we have seen in cases of awful illnesses such as smallpox and polio, which were completely eradicated due to vaccinations and herd immunity.
We genuinely hope that the United States is able to achieve the opening of theatres and venues in Autumn, and that our favourite musicians, DJs, and all those working in the arts and culture industry are safe and able to once again earn their livelihood, on top of us experiencing the joy of live music once again.
The United States is currently the worst hit country in the entire world, with 23,143,197 cases reported as of today (January 12th) and a tragic death toll of 385,249 people. Each one of the people who have lost their lives were individuals just like you and I who have been taken away from their loved ones. They are not simply statistics, they had families, partners and friends just like us, and their futures were robbed from them due to horrific pandemic. We have a social responsibility, no matter where we are in the world, to protect each other.
Make sure to follow your country’s Covid-19 regulations, wash and sanitize your hands correctly – most importantly, wear a mask either at all times when you are in public (wearing a mask is proven to be one of our most important tools in stopping the spread of the virus, and is mandatory now in many countries) avoid large gatherings and please, stay home if you are able to.
We salute all those on the frontlines in each and every country across the globe. Thank you. May you all stay safe and healthy.
