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In an effort to provide a COVIDSafe work environment and significantly reduce the risk of Coronavirus transmission, Opera Australia has become the first performing arts company in Australia to introduce rapid antigen testing, as a key element of their program to keep performers and staff safe from the virus.

As the only major opera company in the world currently performing to a live audience, Opera Australia made a triumphant return to the Joan Sutherland Theatre at the Sydney Opera House last month with a two-week season of The Merry Widow, and declared their innovative COVIDSafe plan was a resounding success.

Unlike polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing which can take up to 48 hours for results, rapid antigen testing provides results in just 15 minutes. The entire cast and orchestra, which equates to almost 100 performers, are being tested as frequently as every three days as part of Opera Australia’s comprehensive COVID Safety Plan, a move that was integral in facilitating the Company’s safe return to the stage for its summer season.

In advance of last night’s premiere of its new production of Verdi’s Ernani, rapid antigen testing is was conducted at the Sydney Opera House while also being undertaken at Opera Australia’s headquarters in Sydney’s Surry Hills, where performers are rehearsing for the upcoming production of Tosca that opens on 22nd February.

Opera Australia is working with respected epidemiologist and public health consultant Dr Henning Liljeqvist and bio-safety expert Dr Bill Anseline’s health and safety management company, Hemisphere Biosecurity, to develop and implement the testing program that meets government and public health requirements and recommendations.

Labelled the testing regime ‘gold standard’, Opera Australia Artistic Director, Lyndon Terracini stated “with so much uncertainty surrounding recent outbreaks, for us to safely return to performing it was vital that we engaged experts to help guide us through the quagmire of COVID-safe practices, amid a constantly changing environment.

“Dr Anseline’s company is at the forefront of best practice solutions, with a focus on the specific requirements the arts and entertainment industries need to function, and it was clear the rapid antigen testing was the way forward for us.”

Medical Director for Hemisphere Biosecurity, Dr Anseline noted “our focus should be on providing bespoke novel ways to integrate knowledge and expertise around infectious disease prevention, training and management which incorporates ‘end-to-end’ solutions.

“A significant part of our future challenge involves aligning people, processes and technology to safely help in the reopening of industries like the arts, entertainment, agriculture, hospitality and tourism.”

Under the advice of Dr Henning, Hemisphere Biosecurity is facilitating asymptomatic testing and is making test data available to public health authorities for inclusion in the NSW daily testing tally.

Asymptomatic testing not only increases the safety for Opera Australia and its patrons, but for the whole community.

Knowing that the virus can be transmitted by asymptomatic people, this testing increases the chances of detecting cases in the community.

In the event of a positive result, protocols are in place to notify NSW Health and follow its directions.

Additionally, there are health screening systems in place to exclude anyone who experiences symptoms.

Hemisphere Biosecurity specialises in COVID-safe practices, providing integrated solutions through education, training and prevention management in the arts, entertainment, agriculture, hospitality and tourism industries.

For more information go to www.thehemispheregroup.com

Image: Opera Australia's performance of Verdi’s Ernani at the Sydney Opera House. Credit: Opera Australia.

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