In a telephone interview with Lusa, the general director of the foundation, Paulo Sarmento e Cunha, explained that during the concert that marked the 20th anniversary of the Remix Ensemble, the Casa da Música choir participated, where “unfortunately a case appeared of a chorister with covid-19 ”and that, therefore, the health authorities recommended that “all elements of the Choir, Remix and the 11 technicians of Casa da Música should be in prophylactic isolation.”

The institution decided to suspend the artistic and educational activity until 3 November, but that the remaining services - ticket office, guided tours and coffee - will remain open.

"This measure comes in the course of the recommendation of the Regional Health Authority that imposes the prophylactic isolation of a wide range of employees, with a particular focus on the area of ??technical production, which reduces the capacity for producing events at Casa da Música",said a statement.

Paulo Sarmento e Cunha adds that there were five more positive cases among the choir members, but that, at this moment, it seems that the problem may be limited to the elements of the group.

Paulo Sarmento e Cunha points out that the institution checked its contingency plan and that “everything went well”, with the proper use of masks.

The Casa da Música Foundation warns that it will proceed to refund the value of tickets for all cancelled concerts.