Covid-19 coronavirus: Fear of infection silences the singing of hymns

A man jogs on the square in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany. Photo / AP

The singing of hymns could be banned in German churches when they reopen to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Angela Merkel is set to discuss plans to reopen churches and other places of worship at talks with regional leaders as Germany gradually lifts its lockdown.

Social distancing is expected to be strictly enforced when services resume. But measures to protect congregations from the virus don't stop there.

Officials are concerned that parishioners could exhale too many infectious droplets while lustily belting out their favourite hymns.

"Community singing should be avoided," a draft set of proposals drawn up by officials reads.

"Singing can cause an increased release of potentially infectious droplets, which can also be spread over longer distances."

Protestant leaders have agreed to a temporary ban, but Catholics are unhappy.

"If the social distancing rules are observed, there is no reason to do without singing," a position paper prepared by the Catholic Bishops' Conference said.

"We see quiet singing and praying as possible," Matthias Kopp, a spokesman for the Bishops' Conference, told Bild newspaper.

And while their Protestant church leaders have agreed to the ban, many are less supportive.

"Every child knows singing together promotes wellbeing, strengthens the psyche, creates a bond between generations and is good for the soul," said Peter Hahne, a leading Protestant theologian.

Christian hymns are not the only religious celebration in the regulators' sights.

The Jewish community has reportedly agreed to dispense with the ritual of kissing the Torah.