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1343136

registered interest
date	01/07/2021
answering body	Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
answering dept id	10
answering dept short name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
answering dept sort name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
hansard heading	Choirs: Coronavirus
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the Government’s Covid-19 guidance for Performing arts and non-professional activities updated on 18 May 2021, what the scientific basis is for six-person capacity limits on non-professional singing indoors.
tabling member constituency	Kingston upon Hull North
tabling member printed	Dame Diana Johnson
uin	25756
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 06/07/2021 answer text <p>I know that the restrictions on singing are frustrating to large numbers of amateur choirs and performance groups across the country and that many people have made sacrifices in order to drive down infections and protect the NHS over the last year. I can assure you that everyone across the government wants to ease these restrictions as soon as possible.</p><p>However, it is important that we take a cautious approach in easing restrictions. We are aware, through the <a href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/905062/S0628_NERVTAG_Assessment_of_transmission_of_COVID-19_through_musical_events.pdf" target="_blank">NERVTAG</a> and <a href="https://chemrxiv.org/articles/preprint/Comparing_the_Respirable_Aerosol_Concentrations_and_Particle_Size_Distributions_Generated_by_Singing_Speaking_and_Breathing/12789221" target="_blank">PERFORM studies</a> that singing can increase the risk of COVID-19 transmission through the spread of aerosol droplets. This was backed up by a <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pheemg-aerosol-and-droplet-generation-from-singing-wind-instruments-and-performance-activities-13-august-2020" target="_blank">consensus statement from SAGE</a>, resulting in the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-suggested-principles-of-safer-singing/covid-19-suggested-principles-of-safer-singing" target="_blank">suggested principles of safer singing</a> being published.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>All of these studies highlight the key factors of physical distancing, ventilation and volume, which is why we have published the suggested principles of safer singing.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>Since these studies and the work from SAGE, the COVID context has changed with the emergence of more transmissible strains. This would include the so-called Alpha variant B.1.1.7 which research suggests may be 70% more transmissible, and now the Delta variant B1.617.2 which looks to be even more transmissible. This means the risks associated with transmission have increased since these studies were undertaken.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>We will continue to keep guidance and restrictions under review, in line with the changing situation. Further detail on step 4 will be set out as soon as possible.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Gosport answering member printed Caroline Dinenage question first answered 06/07/2021 10:49:29 answering member 4008 label Biography information for Dame Caroline Dinenage
tabling member	1533 label Biography information for Dame Diana Johnson

1343137

registered interest
date	01/07/2021
answering body	Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
answering dept id	10
answering dept short name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
answering dept sort name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
hansard heading	Choirs: Coronavirus
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the Government’s Covid-19 guidance for Performing arts and non-professional activities updated on 18 May 2021, what assessment his Department has made of the financial impact of six-person capacity limits for non-professional singing indoors on music directors who facilitate those groups.
tabling member constituency	Kingston upon Hull North
tabling member printed	Dame Diana Johnson
uin	25757
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 06/07/2021 answer text <p>I know that the restrictions on singing are frustrating to large numbers of amateur choirs and performance groups across the country, including music directors, and that many people have made sacrifices in order to drive down infections and protect the NHS over the last year. I can assure you that everyone across the government wants to ease these restrictions as soon as possible.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>Last year, the government announced the unprecedented £1.57 billion support package for the culture sector which is now reaching organisations and individuals across the country. This funding is supporting the arts and culture sector to survive the pandemic and continue operating. To date, over £1.2 billion has now been allocated to over 5000 organisations and sites across the country. Many working in the sector also continue to benefit from the significant cross-economy package of support that has been made available throughout this pandemic, including the generous employment schemes, grants, loans, and business rates relief.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>We will continue to keep guidance and restrictions under review, in line with the changing situation. Further detail on step 4 will be set out as soon as possible.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Gosport answering member printed Caroline Dinenage question first answered 06/07/2021 10:48:35 answering member 4008 label Biography information for Dame Caroline Dinenage
tabling member	1533 label Biography information for Dame Diana Johnson

1338536

registered interest
date	21/06/2021
answering body	Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
answering dept id	10
answering dept short name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
answering dept sort name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
hansard heading	Choirs: Coronavirus
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to his oral contribution of 20 May 2021 Official Report 860, what the latest public health guidance is that he referred to; how that guidance takes into account research conducted by Public Health England in summer 2020 that showed that singing was no more dangerous than shouting or exercising in an enclosed space; whether he has made an assessment of the ability of organisations that run choirs to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their members compared with informal clubs whose activities have resumed under covid-19 restrictions.
tabling member constituency	City of Durham
tabling member printed	Mary Kelly Foy
uin	19694
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/06/2021 answer text <p>I know that the restrictions on singing are frustrating to large numbers of amateur choirs and performance groups across the country and that many people have made sacrifices in order to drive down infections and protect the NHS over the last year. I can assure you that everyone across Government wants to ease these restrictions as soon as possible.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>However, it is important that we take a cautious approach in easing restrictions as we wouldn’t want to reverse the progress we are making. There is evidence that singing loudly can increase aerosol and thus increase the risk of coronavirus transmission, particularly indoors. As with any activity, the cumulative effect of aerosol transmission means the more people involved, the higher the risk of transmission.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>The Covid context has also changed with the emergence of more transmissible strains. This would include the so-called Alpha variant B.1.1.7 which research suggests may be 70% more transmissible, and now the Delta variant B1.617.2 which looks to be even more transmissible. This means the risks associated with transmission have increased since these studies were undertaken. For these reasons it is important that we take a cautious approach in easing restrictions, so that we can see the impact of this before moving to the next step.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>We will continue to keep guidance and restrictions under review, in line with the changing situation. Further detail on step 4 will be set out as soon as possible.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Gosport answering member printed Caroline Dinenage question first answered 24/06/2021 15:34:29 answering member 4008 label Biography information for Dame Caroline Dinenage
tabling member	4753 label Biography information for Mary Kelly Foy

1337464

registered interest
date	16/06/2021
answering body	Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
answering dept id	10
answering dept short name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
answering dept sort name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
hansard heading	Choirs: Coronavirus
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether amateur choirs are permitted to rehearse in groups of more than six under the Performing Arts Guidance at Roadmap Step 3 if the rehearsals lead to a performance for commercial activity.
tabling member constituency	Bath
tabling member printed	Wera Hobhouse
uin	16914
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 28/06/2021 answer text <p>Non-professional groups of up to six people can now sing indoors, in line with the rule of 6 which applies to many other indoor activities and gatherings. They can also perform or rehearse in groups of up to 30 outdoors, or in multiple groups of 30 outdoors provided the groups are kept separate throughout the activity, in line with other large events that follow the organised events guidance for local authorities.</p><p>It is important that we continue taking a cautious approach in easing these restrictions, so that we can see the impact of the steps we are taking before moving to the next step. The Performing Arts Guidance sets out what this means for amateur singing in more detail. We are aware that some amateur groups perform in professional contexts, and even in national institutions, such as the Royal Albert Hall. Whilst the limits do not apply to activity taking place for work or commercial activity, it is for organisers and venues to determine how to operate in accordance with the relevant guidance and regulations.</p><p>Further details on moving to step 4 of the Roadmap will be set out as soon as possible, and the decision to move to step 4 will be made subject to the four tests for easing restrictions.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Gosport answering member printed Caroline Dinenage question first answered 28/06/2021 14:51:02 answering member 4008 label Biography information for Dame Caroline Dinenage
tabling member	4602 label Biography information for Wera Hobhouse

1331401

registered interest
date	09/06/2021
answering body	Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
answering dept id	10
answering dept short name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
answering dept sort name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
hansard heading	Choirs: Coronavirus
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, for what reason the revised guidance on amateur choir-singing does not take into consideration the recommendations in the SO695 paper commissioned by Government that choir-singing can be made safer with restrictions including (a) practising in spaces with adequate ventilation and (b) 2m social distancing.
tabling member constituency	Sheffield Central
tabling member printed	Paul Blomfield
uin	13044
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 14/06/2021 answer text <p>I know that the restrictions on singing are frustrating to large numbers of amateur choirs and performance groups across the country and that many people have made sacrifices in order to drive down infections and protect the NHS over the last year. I can assure you that everyone across the government wants to ease these restrictions as soon as possible.</p><p> </p><p>However, it is important that we take a cautious approach in easing restrictions. We have followed the views of public health experts on singing. We are aware, through the <a href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/905062/S0628_NERVTAG_Assessment_of_transmission_of_COVID-19_through_musical_events.pdf" target="_blank">NERVTAG</a> and <a href="https://chemrxiv.org/articles/preprint/Comparing_the_Respirable_Aerosol_Concentrations_and_Particle_Size_Distributions_Generated_by_Singing_Speaking_and_Breathing/12789221" target="_blank">PERFORM studies</a> that singing can increase the risk of COVID-19 transmission through the spread of aerosol droplets. This was backed up by a <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pheemg-aerosol-and-droplet-generation-from-singing-wind-instruments-and-performance-activities-13-august-2020" target="_blank">consensus statement from SAGE</a>, resulting in the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-suggested-principles-of-safer-singing/covid-19-suggested-principles-of-safer-singing" target="_blank">suggested principles of safer singing</a> being published.</p><p><br>We will continue to keep guidance and restrictions under review, in line with the changing situation. Further detail on step 4 will be set out as soon as possible.</p> answering member constituency Gosport answering member printed Caroline Dinenage question first answered 14/06/2021 09:14:23 answering member 4008 label Biography information for Dame Caroline Dinenage
tabling member	4058 label Biography information for Paul Blomfield

1330836

registered interest
date	08/06/2021
answering body	Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
answering dept id	10
answering dept short name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
answering dept sort name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
hansard heading	Choirs: Coronavirus
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if he will publish the scientific and medical evidence for the decision to restrict indoor amateur choirs to six people.
tabling member constituency	Hampstead and Kilburn
tabling member printed	Tulip Siddiq
uin	12227
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 11/06/2021 answer text <p>I know that the restrictions on singing are frustrating to large numbers of amateur choirs and performance groups across the country and that many people have made sacrifices in order to drive down infections and protect the NHS over the last year. I can assure you that everyone across the government wants to ease these restrictions as soon as possible.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>However, it is important that we take a cautious approach in easing restrictions. We have followed the views of public health experts on singing. We are aware, through the <a href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/905062/S0628_NERVTAG_Assessment_of_transmission_of_COVID-19_through_musical_events.pdf" target="_blank">NERVTAG</a> and <a href="https://chemrxiv.org/articles/preprint/Comparing_the_Respirable_Aerosol_Concentrations_and_Particle_Size_Distributions_Generated_by_Singing_Speaking_and_Breathing/12789221" target="_blank">PERFORM studies</a> that singing can increase the risk of COVID-19 transmission through the spread of aerosol droplets. This was backed up by a <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pheemg-aerosol-and-droplet-generation-from-singing-wind-instruments-and-performance-activities-13-august-2020" target="_blank">consensus statement from SAGE</a>, resulting in the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-suggested-principles-of-safer-singing/covid-19-suggested-principles-of-safer-singing" target="_blank">suggested principles of safer singing</a> being published.</p><p><strong><br></strong>We will continue to keep guidance and restrictions under review, in line with the changing situation. Further detail on step 4 will be set out as soon as possible.</p> answering member constituency Gosport answering member printed Caroline Dinenage question first answered 11/06/2021 14:52:08 answering member 4008 label Biography information for Dame Caroline Dinenage
tabling member	4518 label Biography information for Tulip Siddiq

1329266

registered interest
date	04/06/2021
answering body	Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
answering dept id	10
answering dept short name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
answering dept sort name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
hansard heading	Choirs: Coronavirus
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if he will (a) review current covid-19 restrictions on the activities of amateur choirs in respect of (i) necessity and (ii) consistency with with those on other groups and (b) issue new guidance accordingly.
tabling member constituency	New Forest East
tabling member printed	Dr Julian Lewis
uin	10727
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/06/2021 answer text <p>Non-professional groups of up to six people can now sing indoors, and can perform or rehearse in groups of up to 30 outdoors. In addition, multiple groups of 30 can now sing outdoors, provided the groups are kept separate throughout the activity. This is an important step forward in the return of non-professional performing arts activity from Step 2.</p><p> </p><p>It is important that we take a cautious approach in easing restrictions. We will continue to keep guidance and restrictions under review, in line with the changing situation. Further detail on step 4 will be set out as soon as possible.</p> answering member constituency Gosport answering member printed Caroline Dinenage question first answered 09/06/2021 15:03:42 answering member 4008 label Biography information for Dame Caroline Dinenage
tabling member	54 label Biography information for Sir Julian Lewis

1329658

registered interest
date	04/06/2021
answering body	Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
answering dept id	10
answering dept short name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
answering dept sort name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
hansard heading	Choirs: Coronavirus
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what plans he has to allow amateur choirs to return to indoor rehearsals in groups of more than six.
tabling member constituency	Barnsley Central
tabling member printed	Dan Jarvis
uin	10392
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/06/2021 answer text <p>I know that the restrictions on singing are frustrating to large numbers of amateur choirs and performance groups across the country and that many people have made sacrifices in order to drive down infections and protect the NHS over the last year. I can assure you that everyone across the Government wants to ease these restrictions as soon as possible.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>However, it is important that we take a cautious approach in easing restrictions. We have followed the views of public health experts on singing. We are aware, through the <a href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/905062/S0628_NERVTAG_Assessment_of_transmission_of_COVID-19_through_musical_events.pdf" target="_blank">NERVTAG</a> and <a href="https://chemrxiv.org/articles/preprint/Comparing_the_Respirable_Aerosol_Concentrations_and_Particle_Size_Distributions_Generated_by_Singing_Speaking_and_Breathing/12789221" target="_blank">PERFORM studies</a> that singing can increase the risk of COVID-19 transmission through the spread of aerosol droplets. This was backed up by a <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pheemg-aerosol-and-droplet-generation-from-singing-wind-instruments-and-performance-activities-13-august-2020" target="_blank">consensus statement from SAGE</a>, resulting in the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-suggested-principles-of-safer-singing/covid-19-suggested-principles-of-safer-singing" target="_blank">suggested principles of safer singing</a> being published.</p><p> </p><p>We will continue to keep guidance and restrictions under review, in line with the changing situation. Further detail on step 4 will be set out as soon as possible.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Gosport answering member printed Caroline Dinenage grouped question UIN 10393 question first answered 09/06/2021 15:02:55 answering member 4008 label Biography information for Dame Caroline Dinenage
tabling member	4243 label Biography information for Dan Jarvis

1329659

registered interest
date	04/06/2021
answering body	Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
answering dept id	10
answering dept short name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
answering dept sort name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
hansard heading	Choirs: Coronavirus
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if he will publish the data used to inform the policy that amateur choirs cannot rehearse indoors in a group of more than six people.
tabling member constituency	Barnsley Central
tabling member printed	Dan Jarvis
uin	10393
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/06/2021 answer text <p>I know that the restrictions on singing are frustrating to large numbers of amateur choirs and performance groups across the country and that many people have made sacrifices in order to drive down infections and protect the NHS over the last year. I can assure you that everyone across the Government wants to ease these restrictions as soon as possible.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>However, it is important that we take a cautious approach in easing restrictions. We have followed the views of public health experts on singing. We are aware, through the <a href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/905062/S0628_NERVTAG_Assessment_of_transmission_of_COVID-19_through_musical_events.pdf" target="_blank">NERVTAG</a> and <a href="https://chemrxiv.org/articles/preprint/Comparing_the_Respirable_Aerosol_Concentrations_and_Particle_Size_Distributions_Generated_by_Singing_Speaking_and_Breathing/12789221" target="_blank">PERFORM studies</a> that singing can increase the risk of COVID-19 transmission through the spread of aerosol droplets. This was backed up by a <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pheemg-aerosol-and-droplet-generation-from-singing-wind-instruments-and-performance-activities-13-august-2020" target="_blank">consensus statement from SAGE</a>, resulting in the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-suggested-principles-of-safer-singing/covid-19-suggested-principles-of-safer-singing" target="_blank">suggested principles of safer singing</a> being published.</p><p> </p><p>We will continue to keep guidance and restrictions under review, in line with the changing situation. Further detail on step 4 will be set out as soon as possible.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Gosport answering member printed Caroline Dinenage grouped question UIN 10392 question first answered 09/06/2021 15:02:55 answering member 4008 label Biography information for Dame Caroline Dinenage
tabling member	4243 label Biography information for Dan Jarvis

1327753

registered interest
date	25/05/2021
answering body	Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
answering dept id	10
answering dept short name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
answering dept sort name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
hansard heading	Choirs: Coronavirus
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if he will change covid-19 guidance to allow amateur choirs to rehearse together.
tabling member constituency	Epsom and Ewell
tabling member printed	Chris Grayling
uin	7107
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 07/06/2021 answer text <p>Non-professional groups of up to six people can now sing indoors, and can perform or rehearse in groups of up to 30 outdoors. In addition, multiple groups of 30 can now sing outdoors, provided the groups are kept separate throughout the activity. This is an important step forward in the return of non-professional performing arts activity from Step 2.</p><p> </p><p>It is important that we take a cautious approach in easing restrictions. We will continue to keep guidance and restrictions under review, in line with the changing situation. Further detail on step 4 will be set out as soon as possible.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Gosport answering member printed Caroline Dinenage question first answered 07/06/2021 09:42:22 answering member 4008 label Biography information for Dame Caroline Dinenage
tabling member	1413 label Biography information for Chris Grayling