Feasibility of school music trips with safe cohorts during high SARS-CoV-2 incidence rates: a longitudinal observation study

Abstract Background During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, school-related leisure activities were either completely prohibited or only feasible to a limited extent. Especially group musical activities carry a high risk of transmission. Up until now, the question of whether they can be safely re-implemented, has hardly been systematically examined. Therefore, we aimed at investigating the feasibility of school music trips with a hygiene and testing concept in times of high SARS-CoV-2 incidence rates and the Omicron wave. Methods We accompanied a one-week school music trip (January 2022). 81 students and 14 teachers of three big bands, mainly from two schools in Berlin, took part. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) pool tests and a questionnaire before departure as well as a follow-up survey after return were performed. During the trip, a hygiene concept (including daily antigen tests) was applied. Primary endpoint was the occurrence of positive SARS-CoV-2 tests during the study period. The health status before and afterwards as well as the individually perceived fear and risk of a getting a SARS-CoV-2 infection were defined as secondary endpoints. An evaluation of the music trip experience was likewise done. Results 95 PCR pool tests and 95 survey responses were evaluated from outward journey. 79 follow-up questionnaires were sent in. One positive SARS-CoV-2 pool was detected, containing one positive participant who was excluded from the journey. One student turned positive in antigen-testing (day four), was isolated and sent home after PCR confirmation testing. In both cases, the Omicron variant was detected. After return, a reduction of physical symptoms was visible among students, especially regarding cold signs (p = 0.002, McNemar test). The perceived risk of infection increased in the children’s group afterwards (p = 0.019, Wilcoxon rank test). All participants indicated that they want to attend such a music trip again. Conclusion School music trips under pandemic conditions are feasible with a hygiene concept and a safe cohort, regardless of the high incidence rates during the Omicron wave. Although we found an increase in perceived risk of infection among students, this did not negatively affect the perception of the trip experience.