New Study Published on COVID Transmission at a Large Lindy Hop Event

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Lindy Focus is one of the largest US lindy hop events of the year, drawing hundreds of dancers from all over the country to Asheville, North Carolina for a week of swing festivities between December 26 and New Years. Surprising some, the organizers of Lindy Focus decided to hold their event in-person in 2021, despite the increasing risks of COVID-19 and particularly the Omicron variant.

But how many folks actually contracted COVID from participating in this event? Not many, according to a recent research paper published by Dr. Sue Carson. Dr. Carson found that while there was transmission of the virus during the event, “the majority of transmission occurred either through the result of individual interactions or activities outside the formal dance event rather than due to a buildup of airborne viral particles in the event space.” [Emphasis mine.]

I should admit that I was registered to go to Lindy Focus and I backed out in November because I was afraid of getting COVID. I wrestled with the decision until the very last second, and felt intense FOMO seeing all posts, pictures and videos from Focus. So this new research paper feels particularly relevant to me.

Sue Carson is a Biology Professor at North Carolina State University, Program Director at the National Science Foundation, and a lindy hopper. She attended Lindy Focus as a participant and also administered a survey to the dancers and other participants there. Of the 370 folks who attended, 206 filled out a survey, so 55% of everyone present. (That seems like a pretty strong response rate, from my understanding of how these surveys typically go.)

She found that :

  • 8.7% of respondents (18 people) believe they contracted COVID while at the event.

  • Mask type may have played a role in transmission.

  • While all musicians and performers were unmasked during the actual dances, only one reported contracting COVID.

For all of her results and discussion, please read her research paper.

Dr. Carson closes with a number of recommendations for dancers to minimize risk to themselves and others, including:

  • wearing the most protective mask possible;

  • accepting dances only with others who are wearing high-quality, well-fitted masks;

  • keeping your mask on indoors, partaking in snacks and drinks outdoors;

  • limiting the number of close contacts without a mask and avoid being unmasked in indoor public spaces; and

  • having a plan to reduce possible transmission to others following the event by consistent mask use in indoor public spaces, postponing visits with vulnerable populations, and scheduling a PCR test 3-5 days after the event.

You can read Dr. Carson’s full paper here.

Oh, and I can’t leave this post without sharing one of the sweetest moments ever from Lindy Focus 2021. Awww.