Upcoming experimental concert at Accor Arena aims to assess COVID-19 transmission risks in large events. Equipped with AI-enhanced smart cameras, the venue will monitor adherence to health protocols, including proper mask-wearing.
Test events have paved the way: In December 2020, Barcelona's Apolo hall hosted 450 participants under a strict health protocol with follow-up testing. Amsterdam's Ziggo Dome followed in March 2021 with 1,300 attendees. Paris Hospitals (AP-HP) announced a larger trial at Accor Arena on May 29, 2021, featuring Indochine for 5,000 participants under similar rigorous protocols (see image below).
This event introduces advanced tech: Smart cameras from French firm Datakalab. Their AI analyzes footage to verify mask compliance. Notably, Cannes deployed the same technology pre-2020 deconfinement to spot non-compliant individuals in public spaces.
Attendees can rest assured—Datakalab confirms this is not facial recognition. No images are stored; video is anonymized. The system delivers real-time, objective data on mask-wearing rates, categorizing as: well-worn, poorly worn, or absent.
The AP-HP study is a randomized clinical trial comparing contamination risks between a 5,000-person "experimental" group attending the concert and a 2,500-person "control" group staying home.
Focus is on systematic SARS-CoV-2 screening within three days pre-event, evaluating if it mitigates transmission and prevents outbreaks at mass gatherings.
