After 6+ months of near-total lockdown, music seems to be emerging again, cautiously.
Technology has been helpful in presenting music in a way that doesn’t involve risk to the players or audience. I’ve seen quite a few recorded and livestreamed performances, and this was, well, music to my ears.
In some communities, there have been actual live performances, whether at venues or private places, as well. These present some possible problems. For one, in California, they are not allowed under current state health guidelines. But, as we’ve seen time and time again, rules are not effective in preventing actions that are eagerly sought by people. Who among us has not rolled through a stop sign when we could see the intersection was clear? Who has never exceeded the speed limit on a lonely road under ideal driving conditions?
But rules are there for a reason, and to flout them delivers an element of risk. If you decide you have gone long enough without viewing a live musical performance, and further decide you’re going to attend one, despite the health guidelines, you’re assuming a risk beyond legal penalties. You are assuming a health risk for yourself, and a risk that you will increase the health risk of others at the event.
If the organizer of this “speakeasy” musical performance has taken pains to limit the audience size, and provide seating that is appropriately separated, and insist that all who attend wear masks, then the risks are minimized. But you are making an assumption that everyone there will abide by the rules. You assume no one will move chairs closer together, no one will remove their masks during conversations. The stakes are fairly high.
I have seen that most people I encounter are now accustomed to distancing and wearing masks – it’s become second nature, to the point where the natural tendency to hug friends or shake hands with someone you meet has been pushed to the background, for now. That’s a good thing – but won’t we all be glad when the time comes we can stow the masks and enjoy close company with our fellow people?
We are a country that prizes freedom and free will. Rules, and the threat of punishment for breaking them, is not in and of itself a strong deterrent. But I would urge everyone to filter their actions through considerations of what we now know about the Covid-19 – its dangers, and how it spreads. Act responsibly, and avoid risks you don’t want to take. Don’t try and convince others to take risks they’re uncomfortable with. Think and make decisions not solely based on what you want to do – consider the possible consequences on others. You are an individual, of course, but you’re also part of a community – please keep that in mind.
