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<p>Decisions on Step 3 were taken collectively across Government before 17th May.
The updated Performing Arts guidance sets out how venues and organisers should operate
in Step 3.</p><p> </p><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 want to 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>
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