REGARDING YOUR HEALTH: Karaoke, Harryoke and COVID-19

This week I am putting a toe in the water to return to doing karaoke at Finn's.  They have more square footage for our crowd than some smaller venues still limited by the state phase one reopening.  Some of you are anxiously awaiting the return of karaoke, others may feel it is too soon.  Many want to know what will be different and what protocols will be in place in "the new normal".  This has been a CONSTANT subject on my mind since the quarantine.  I have read up on the science, studied the CDC protocols and recommendations, and networked with other karaoke hosts in regard to placing protocols upon the return of karaoke. This is the plan I have come up with, based on your questions:

IS IT TOO SOON?:  That is up to each individual to decide.  Some people are more diligent about social distancing than others.  Some folks are more susceptible to illness and germs than others due to situations that may affect them such as having a compromised immune system, pre-existing issues, age, etc..., so one rule will not fit all.  Basically, if you are worried or feel it is too soon, you may not be a candidate to return to social public karaoke.  

IS IT SAFE...WHAT PRECAUTIONS ARE YOU TAKING?:  The venue will be following state protocols at the time, so when phase two arrives, things will open up further.  Until then, for phase one, the venues will be adhering to phase one state protocols.  SAFETY IS IMPOSSIBLE TO GUARANTEE...YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR WELFARE.  Do not rely on others to protect you.  Based on your individual needs, conduct yourself accordingly.  If that means wearing a mask, or carrying hand sanitizer, or visiting the rest room regularly to wash your hands, that is incumbent upon you to do.  While the host and the venue take steps to limit infectious contact, it is not guaranteed.  The venue will have certainly stepped up cleaning methods, as has the karaoke host, but these are not guarantees. There ARE steps YOU can take to put the odds solidly in your favor.   

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO AVOID GERMS AT KARAOKE?:  The best way to avoid germs is to really understand, scientifically, how they spread.  There are methods that some people recommend that are NOT effective, and in fact, more dangerous than not using them.  These include the usage of foam mic covers or other microphone covers.  They look like they are doing something, but the science does not agree.  Ground zero for potential infection at karaoke will be:  In the atomized breath of someone yelling, laughing, sneezing, singing or talking loudly close to you, on the microphone, and on any surfaces that may be holding bodily fluid such as spittle, saliva, mucous, etc...  The safest thing for you as a singer to do is to limit your exposure, but even if exposed, take 2 simple steps.

THE COMMON THREAD IN ALL PROTOCOLS is that if you are a singer concerned with germs of any kind, it is INCUMBENT UPON YOU to sanitize your hands or wash with soap and water immediately following your performance, before contacting food, phones, or face.    

FIRST:  Always just assume the microphone is dirty even if it has just been cleaned, has a cover etc...  That is not a deal breaker, but what you NEED TO LEARN TO DO now and forever is to NEVER ALLOW THE MIC TO TOUCH YOUR FACE, LIPS, MOUTH, NOSE, etc...  Have no contact with the top of the microphone. 

SECOND, always assume at the end of your song that YOUR HANDS ARE DIRTY.  Once you return the microphone to the host, IT IS INCUMBENT ON YOU THE SINGER to use a hand sanitizer or otherwise head to the bathroom to wash using soap and water before touching your food, face or phone or other personal belongings.  That will effectively handle any germs you have come into contact with.  Now keep in mind, these protocols are born of the COVID-19 coronavirus issue, but, germs have been around as long as people, and people have been doing karaoke, and eating, and touching other people, kissing, inhaling air in close proximity...etc...for DECADES.  Karaoke did not just suddenly develop germs, it is just the effort of trying to avoid this one particular NEW germ that is causing the panic reactions. GLOVES could be effective if used properly, meaning throwing them away and washing your hands afterward...but in that regard, save the money on gloves and just wash/sanitize your hands anyway. CDC guidelines have been fluid, changing as research reveals more information.  There are mixed reports regarding transmittal of COVID-19 from hard surfaces, as well as discussions about when and how masks do or do not work.  Do your research and take your actions according to your personal needs.      

SHOULD I WEAR A MASK?:  Again, a personal decision based on your needs.  Singing on a PA system will not work with some to most masks, as the amplified sound would be muffled.  If your level of caution requires it, we can try it, but it may be too soon for you personally if that is a deal breaker. (Each Halloween I deal with people singing in costume, and it does not sound good with a masked voice).  If you are in the crowd as a spectator, a mask may be prudent if you are at a table or group talking loudly or breathing in each other's space.

CAN I BRING MY OWN FOAM COVER AND PUT IT ON THE MIC?:  If you want to yes, but, not only will this not be an effective deterrent to infection, it may also increase your chances by carrying mic germs back to your table via the infected foam you are now putting in your pocket, purse or case.  They do not work in this manner, they are designed to stop wind pops, not germs.

WE WENT TO ANOTHER SHOW WHERE THEY GAVE EACH SINGER A LITTLE COVER FOR THE MIC THAT THE SINGER TOOK WITH THEM AFTER EACH SONG:  And they make singers feel safe, but they do not work effectively.  Your hands are still contacting the mic, even with a cover on it.  There is no guarantee that the cover has no germ on it, and certainly, when removed, could have germs on the interior.  Even with covers, you would need to wash or sanitize your hands afterward...so, save the money on covers, and simply plan on washing/sanitizing your hands. A false sense of security keeps you from cleaning your hands, and that is the key at karaoke.    

CAN I BRING MY OWN MICROPHONE?:  Maybe.  I may be prepared to accept singers microphones on my cable provided they are XLR connected, NOT 1/4" or any connector other than an XLR.  You cannot bring your own wireless mic as it would be too cumbersome to connect and dial in between singers.  There are no guarantees your microphone will be compatible with my system either, depending on quality, specifications, and what shape of a pick up pattern the cartridge has, which all affect sound, and feedback, etc... 

Here is a link to a blog entry, State of Harryoke. I put this up earlier in May during quarantine and it covers some of this and delves a little deeper.:

STATE OF HARRYOKE BLOG
   

The takeaway from all of this is...be safe, be responsible for your own safety, be smart, know the enemy and come back and have fun when you are personally ready!!

Hope to see you all soon.  State protocols will dictate whether this is a short term return or permanent, but I am hoping for the best.  

All the best to you all!  THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT, AND FRIENDSHIP!