Barcelona Hosts Concert For 500 People To See Efficacy Of Rapid Coronavirus Test

Barcelona found a new way to instill happiness in the hearts and minds of people who have been going through such tumultuous times due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The city’s Fight AIDS and Infectious Diseases Foundation organized a concert for 500 residents as an experiment to see the efficacy of rapid tests.

During the experiment, more than 1,000 people living in the city gathered at the Apolo Theater to take part in a medical study to see how effective rapid tests are if they are used for large, cultural events, Associated Press first reported.

The volunteers were given a COVID-19 antigen test and were handed over the results instantly. After passing the antigen screening, almost 500 of the residents were randomly selected to enjoy a free concert inside the theater. Meanwhile, those who were not selected to attend the concert were sent back home.

The media outlet also reported that a “control group” will be formed so that the organizers would be able to analyze if there was any contagion inside the theater despite the antigen tests.

The antigen produces results in 15 minutes but is not considered to be as trustworthy as other tests.

Dr. Boris Revollo, the virologist who designed the protocols for the experiment, told the Associated Press that the event should not be taken as a “party.” He also noted that rapid antigen tests do not mean that people should forget about wearing masks or keeping their distance.

“This is not a party, this is a scientific study. This could be useful in all types of events, from cultural events to business congresses, to sporting events. And young people, as we have seen, are holding their own clandestine parties because they no other outlet,” Revollo said.

All volunteers who were allowed to attend the five-hour music festival had to wear special FFP2 face masks and use hand disinfectants at all times.

The publication also reported that some people embraced each other while sharing their excitement over getting a chance to attend such a large cultural event after months of restrictions.

Barcelona has been one of the worst-affected cities in the Catalonia region of Spain. The city has seen 81,213 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 5,272 deaths so far. Overall, Spain has witnessed 1.74 million cases and 47,624 deaths due to life-threatening illness.