Like many of you, we have spent the last several days and weeks learning about the coronavirus (COVID-19). For us, that means understanding how it affects our students, our teachers, and community, and then making the necessary adjustments to our work and operations. We have a simple objective that guides our response: keeping you and our teachers safe. One question that has come up recently from you, is how to implement safe practices with your instrument to prevent further spread of COVID-19.
We recommend the following:
1) Wash your hands before and after each practice session. While this is good practice in general, it is especially important given current events. If you are using a hand sanitizer, please make sure your hands are completely dry before handling your instrument as the alcohol in the hand sanitizer can dissolve the varnish on your instrument. This is the most effective and simple way to prevent the unnecessary spread of the virus.
2) Refrain from sharing your instrument with others. In the same way that the CHP is recommending social distancing, similar practices should be implemented with the use of your instrument. By not sharing your instrument with others, you lower the percentage chance that you can spread or receive germs.
Another question that has been asked recently is:
“How can I disinfect my instrument?”
One important thing to note is that current instrument cleaners and polishes are not designed to have disinfecting properties. Their primary purpose is to dissolve dirt and rosin build-up on instruments. They do not carry a high enough concentration of alcohol to be deemed an effective disinfectant. We also caution against the use of household cleaners and other chemical disinfecting products on your instrument and bow. The disinfecting agent in most of these cleaners is alcohol; The primary solvent used for most varnishes. The use of these products can potentially cause damage to your instrument. The best course of action is to implement preventative measures as described above.
We will continue to closely monitor the CHP guidelines and implement proactive recommendations and appropriate precautions at our studio. While we remain open for teaching, we practice safe instrument care and appropriate caution our students at all times. Should you have any specific questions, we can always be reached at info@centrestagehk.com.
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