Concert attendance has been negatively affected during the pandemic. In a Survey of 56 Morton Students and Teachers, 27% of respondents reported that they attended a concert in 2021. With 34% of respondents reporting that their family members attended such events.

In 2021, 2,000 Americans were surveyed by LendingTree regarding concert plans. Over 25% of Americans planned to go to a concert or music festival during the summer, while 12% planned in going in the fall.

A larger percentage of younger Americans were planning to attend a concert with 36% of Millennials and 32% of Gen Z-ers planning on attending, with 28% of Gen Zers reporting they do not have firm concert plans but want to.

In a survey of 56 Morton Students and Teachers, 27% said they are going to a concert in 2022. Some 32% said they would like to but have no specific plans.

But is it safe?

“I think that it’s a little risky to go to concerts right now, but if you’re vaccinated there shouldn’t be too much to worry about. Many people are vaccinated now so it should be fairly safe to go to a concert, and it’s better than locking yourself inside every day,” said Senior Diego Sazo.

However, some may feel safe. According to the Cleveland Clinic, singing can also expel virus-infected droplets into the air — and these droplets are known to accumulate and linger in the air for a sustained period of time in crowded indoor spaces. In other words, a concert might be a super-spreader event rather than a relaxing night out.

Senior Alfredo Martinez begs to differ. “Depends on who’s going to the venue. if it isn’t making people show their proof of vaccine, it could end up pretty bad.“

Most Morton students and teachers share the same sentiment, with 62% of respondents feeling it is unsafe to go to concerts during the pandemic.

According to Dr. Dumford of the Cleveland Clinic, does requiring proof of vaccination at events and activities change the level of safety? “It does reduce the risk,” says Dr. Dumford. “Even though we’ve seen breakthrough cases, and those people with breakthrough who are vaccinated are just as contagious as the unvaccinated, you are eight times less likely to acquire COVID if you are vaccinated.”

Senior Isaak Robles feels it is safe with these precautions. “I think it’s only safe as long as certain requirements are in place, such as proof of vaccination or a recent negative Covid test, along with wearing masks”

However, with these mixed opinions, how many students would risk seeing their favorite artists? 65% of 38 respondents responded that yes, they would risk getting Covid to see their favorite artists.

The artist that most people would risk it for is Playboi Carti, Popular rapper with 8% of responses.