You shouldn’t be reaching out and touching anyone right now. Murphy’s Irish Bar in Corralejo, Spain, has banned the Neil Diamond song “Sweet Caroline” in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19.
The issue is they don’t want anyone scream-singing along to the classic song, as doing so could spread coronavirus droplets that could get others sick.
Last month, the World Health Organization announced there was evidence Covid-19 might be being spread by tiny particles of moisture capable of hanging in the air in enclosed or unventilated spaces.
The bar posted a sign, which has since gone viral on social media, that references the popular song’s lyrics, and reads, “Due to COVID-19 ‘Sweet Caroline’ is banned. There will be no: touching hands, reaching out, touching me, touching you.”
First released in 1969 by Neil Diamond and said to have been inspired by the daughter of US President John F. Kennedy, the song is a favourite of pub sing-alongs, karaoke or otherwise.
Back in March the singer did his part to promote steps to prevent the spread of the coronavirus and changed the lyrics to his iconic hit for a musical PSA about the virus.
