Study Finds Museums and Theaters Low-Risk for COVID-19 Transmission

A study by the Hermann-Rietschel-Institut at the Technische Universität Berlin, led by Professor Martin Kriegel, assessed COVID-19 transmission risk in various public spaces. Using parameters such as average stay duration, air quality, activity type, and aerosol inhalation, the study assigned an 'R' value indicating how many people an infected individual could contaminate. Museums and theaters, with 30% occupancy and mask-wearing, were found safest with an R of 0.5. Hairdressers (with masks) followed at 0.6, and public transport at 0.8. Supermarkets (with masks) had an R of 1.1, and indoor restaurants at 25% occupancy had the same risk. The findings challenge common assumptions about cultural venues being high-risk, suggesting they are safer than supermarkets, restaurants, offices, and public transport. The study was conducted over the past year amid ongoing debates about restrictions in Italy and elsewhere, where museums reopened weekdays in yellow zones but theaters and cinemas remained closed.