The leaders of Eurovision 2021 reveal their plans for a safe competition, where all the artists will perform live in Rotterdam.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has published the extended Health and Safety Protocol for COVID-19, which will host the 65th Eurovision Song Contest in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, in May.
In February, it became known that the tender could not be held without special measures and restrictions.
However, the organizers were "determined, but also optimistic" that this year's Eurovision will be held according to "Scenario B", a limited but ambitious version of the competition with strict health and safety measures and social distances.
The decision was confirmed by the Eurovision Song Contest Reference Team, the event's governing body and the EBU Executive Committee.
If the pandemic worsens in the coming weeks in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, further restrictions on how the competition will take place may be imposed.
Under Scenario B, the number of people allowed on missions in each country will be reduced compared to previous years and the number of journalists attending the event will also be reduced to 500, while 1,000 journalists will be able to cover the show through a new internet press center.
In the near future, decisions will be made regarding the presence of the public at the Eurovision shows and the public activities that will take place in Rotterdam.
The detailed protocol describes in detail the measures that all accredited persons (those working or participating in the Eurovision Song Contest) must comply with. Also the protocol fully complies with the instructions of the National Institute of Public Health and the Environment of the Netherlands and is harmonized with the instructions for such large events, such as major sporting events.
Martin Österdahl, executive director of the Eurovision Song Contest, explains:
"The spirit and tradition of the Eurovision Song Contest is to unite Europe at one stage and we are still determined to achieve it in Rotterdam in May.
We are moving forward with our plans to produce a safe competition, where all the artists will perform live in Rotterdam. "This protocol shows our commitment to do this, with the health and safety of all those present, including staff and the press, being our first priority."
The protocol is subject to change depending on developments before the artists and missions of each country arrive in Rotterdam.