Juan de Dios Ventura Soriano better known as Johnny Ventura or “El Caballo Johnny Ventura”, a popular Dominican singer and band leader who also served as vice mayor of Santo Domingo from 1994 to 1998, and as mayor of Santo Domingo from 1998 to 2002 was admitted to the Center for Advanced Medicine , in the Dominican Republic, after suffering a fall at his home he washospitalized, tand underwent a test of coronavirus (COVID-19) after presenting cold symptoms. The test was positive.
Ventura who is under intensive care and under observation, declared that t he is stable and is able to breathe without having to resort to supplemental oxygen.
Our business depends on our interaction with people, making a positive impression is crucial and not only with our music and mixing skills. Every one wants to know the DJ. When they see us at our clubs ,at our events on the street they all want to acknowledge you as their buddy. The current climate , has many of us on edge, especially since we are constantly interacting with our public, the ones that come out and make us look good. We must now step back and evaluate every aspect of our DJ routine.
The Coronavirus,is a respiratory illness, that has infected thousands of people across the world. The outbreak began in China, but the virus has emerged in several countries, including the United States, as it has continued to spread. Fear of the spreading the virus has led many people to consider abandoning niceties and recommending against handshakes or physical contact.
Hand to hand Contact can transfer germs that can cause disease, such as respiratory infections like colds or the flu. It appears by some studies that have been conducted that “fist bumps” reduces the amount of bacteria that transfers from person to person, because of the smaller surface area and shorter amount of time the hands are in contact. A person with NO symptoms may be shedding the virus and could make others sick.
Coronavirus can remain infectious on in animate surfaces at room temperature for up to 9 days. The virus tends to live longer in colder, more humid conditions. Controllers, Headphones, Microphones, even laptop keyboards all are surfaces where the virus could potentially live, sharing those now come with an added liability, our clients use our microphones and then hand them back so we can announce ” The Buffet line is open” DJ friend forgets his Headphones , the girl that hands you their iphone. The scenarios are endless. New procedures must be implemented in our routines during set up and breakdown. We now must be aware about potential forms of transmission without appearing to over-react, Drink glasses left on our subs, must be handled differently than before. Holding purses and coats, phones for guests. Singers and musicians handling your wireless mics.
So, how do we greet our clients , our fans, fellow music industry professionals? Avoiding complete physical contact in my opinion is an option for now . Let them know you are being cautious and not rude although” Fist Bumping” can seem awkward or inappropriate in certain situations. Someone who is coughing and sneezing close to you is more likely to infect you . The standard Handshake is part of doing business, especially with older people. You can’t ( or shouldn’t ) fist bump or High Five a 75 year old lady contracting you for $7,000 gala at a prestigious hotel although the way things are going everything may change in the near future, with cases on the rise.
AJ Falcon member of the South Florida DJ Association say ” It will be business as usual , but with heightened precautions such as having hand sanitizer more available , interchangeable foam microphone windscreens. Respect personal space. I would not stop shaking hands. This form of greeting is essential, particularly in the latin community”
Because there are no specific treatments for COVID-19, many experts are focusing on prevention. Basically, clean everything ! Agents, including hydrogen peroxide, ethanol, and sodium hypochlorite (a chemical in bleach), can all inactivate corona-viruses.
A good DJ Prevention kit could contain the following;
Hand Sanitizer ( Any Brand) Some DJs are even custom labeling their own bottles to hand out
