Eurovision 2020: EBU’s statement about the contest after the Coronavirus outbreak
One Country after another is shutting down adopting strict measures and restrictions in order to deal with the Coronavirus issue. Under these circumstances the EBU made a statement concerning the Eurovsion song contest and a potential cancellation or change of dates to the event.
The EBU has released the following statement today:
The EBU is closely monitoring the situation concerning the spread of the coronavirus and keeping abreast of the latest advice and guidelines from the WHO and national health authorities.
We are working closely with Dutch Host Broadcasters NPO, NOS and AVROTROS and the City of Rotterdam to explore different potential scenarios for the Eurovision Song Contest 2020.
However, with 2 months to go until the 3 live shows on 12, 14 and 16 May, and a rapidly changing situation both in the Netherlands and the countries of the participating broadcasters, it is still too early to make any final decisions.
With this in mind, we’re continuing to work together as a team on preparations to host the 65th Eurovision Song Contest in Rotterdam.
With the coronavirus outbbreak deteriorating the debate on the Eurovision cancellation or not has arouse with the host country, The Netherlands, while the organisers have back up scenarios for the competition.
The Dutch organisers of the Eurovision Song Contest are currently focusing on various possible scenarios related to the corona virus. A NPO spokesperson the precious days confirmed that consultations about these possible alternatives are also taking place with EBU. The spokesperson does not want to comment on the content of these possible scenarios. He does not want to say whether one of the possible scenarios is to let the song contest in Ahoy continue without an audience. And goes further on saying:
It is currently too early to comment on these possible scenarios, as they depend on developments in the coming period. Our focus is still on producing an unforgettable Eurovision Song Contest.
The NPO previously stressed that it should follow RIVM guidelines in this area. The governmental institute has not yet commented on the cancellation of events, the responsibility for such decisions is currently at the municipal level.
The Mayor of Rotterdam stated yesterday that a final decision regarding if the competition being cancelled/postponed or held in a different format will be made circa 5-6 April when the stage construction is set to kick to off.
The Mayor of Rotterdam told Dutch newsportal Rijnmond:
The deadline for that decision for me is the moment when the organzing body and the Rotterdam Ahoy start building the stage. The decision to proceed with the Eurovision Song Contest will be made by early April.
The 65th Eurovision Eurovision Song Contest is set to take place on May 12,14 and 16 at Rotterdam Ahoy. If the event is cancelled this will be the first time this will have happened in the contest’s history.
