These days are filled with shocking news from all over the world. The Corona virus has a massive impact on various industries and harms business in unbelievable dimensions: tourism, trade, medicine, etc.

These days are filled with shocking news from all over the world. The Corona virus has a massive impact on various industries and harms business in unbelievable dimensions: tourism, trade, medicine, etc.

Some countries are more effected than others, nevertheless the thread can be everywhere. Fairs, sport events and concerts are being cancelled, in some heavily effect areas there is no social life anymore where cinemas are closed. Even the Olympic Games in Tokyo might be cancelled or postponed, which are scheduled for the summer in July. But what about Eurovision in Rotterdam? There are only eight weeks ahead, when the rehearsals should start, in the moment there has been no official statement of the EBU.

In fact the Ahoj Arena can host up to 16.000 people, plus staff, performers, delegations and press there are a lot of people coming together. There will be parties, the opening ceremony with thousands of people gathering together. There is a certain risk everywhere. The scientists emphasize that the normal flu is much more dangerous.
If the EBU decides to cancel or postpone the ESC then the announcement must come within the next days, otherwise the costs will rise as the stage will be build up already.

There are rumours that the ESC could be a video contest or the ESC will be actioned without audience. Both ideas seem to be unrealistic and will not be in the sense of the Eurovision Song Contest. The most realistic opportunity would be to postpone it to a later month like September, but the costs would be inedible high. And to cancel the entire event would not be wise as well, as all the performers have the chance of their life, people have their tickets, the organizers have their plans and costs, and this would be a disaster.

Hence with all the weighing up and down the contest must be held. For sure there will be the utmost security standards to protect all the participants and guests with disinfection areas and so on, there might be some stricter rules here and there, but everybody will have to live with it.

Author: Bernd LemmermannEmail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Public relations, Editor, Journalist

About me:
As one of the founders of eurovisionlive.com I am responsible for the interviews with the singers and the editorial content. My passion for the Eurovision Song Contest exists since my early childhood. The exotic music, different cultures and languages have given a lot of inspiration to me. Since my very first ESC in Dublin 1994 I particularly appreciate the get together and friendship of all the nationalities and Riverdance was a thrill!