KIX Cancels Tour Dates After Bandmember Tests Positive For COVID-19

Veteran rockers KIX have canceled two shows due to a member of the band contracting COVID-19.

The group has released the following statement regarding the matter: "KIX is canceling the following live dates due to a band member's positive COVID-19 test, despite his being vaccinated.

* Friday, September 10 at Rocktember Music Fest in Hinckley, MN
* Saturday, September 11 at Arcada Theater in St. Charles, IL

"Future shows beyond these two are not affected. We will be there!

"KIX's return to the stage this year was met with much fanfare and encouragement, among promising signs for the current touring landscape. However, the surging COVID-19 pandemic continues to take a toll on the already-struggling live music industry, and KIX fans are the latest victims.

"KIX is very disappointed but remains committed to safety of fellow travelers, fans, other bands and crew. The band was looking forward to returning to these great venues and reunited with their enthusiastic fans, and promises a return as soon as possible."

Experts have repeatedly said that a COVID-19 vaccine is the single most important tool for preventing infections and protecting against moderate and severe disease. Some variants, such as delta, may be more likely to cause breakthrough infections, but vaccinations have shown protection against symptomatic disease caused by delta. Unvaccinated people are more likely to be hospitalized or die from COVID-19 than people who are fully vaccinated. In the United States, 97% of the hospitalizations over the past three months, since delta came on the scene, have been in unvaccinated people. Ninety-nine percent of the people who have died of COVID-19 in the last three months were unvaccinated.

Masks reduce the risk of an infected person's spreading the virus and provide some protection for the wearer against becoming infected. A new study found that increased mask-wearing led to a significant reduction in the percentage of people with COVID-19, based on symptom reporting and SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing. The researchers tested both cloth and surgical masks and found especially strong evidence that surgical masks are effective in preventing COVID-19.