Eurovision Song Contest set to proceed this year despite pandemic
Author: Sarah Akomanyi | Sunday 9th May 2021
After being cancelled last year, Eurovision is set to go ahead in Rotterdam, despite the Netherlands battling the third wave of Covid-19. This year, Eurovision will be "scaled down but ambitious", as this will allow organisers to conduct it safely.
As well as the performers and delegation, there will be a maximum of 3,500 audience members attending for each performance.
For anyone who purchased tickets for the 2020 show, these will still be accepted. But tickets will not be on sale for the wider public.
Additionally, before being allowed in, all attendees will have to provide evidence of a negative covid test result for no longer than 24 hours.
Ahoy Arena in Rotterdam will at about 20% capacity. Everyone involved in the production of the show, from Journalists to artists and crew will undergo regular tests.
Anyone flying from overseas will have to quarantine for five days before heading over to the Netherlands. As there is a Dutch travel ban on most non-EU countries, anyone affected will have to show a return ticket as well as a letter from the organisers.
Spectators can watch six rehearsals and the three live shows: two semi-finals on 18 and 20 May and the Grand Final on the 22 May.
Masks will be required when people are moving around, but not when they are in their seats and at that point, no social distancing rules will apply.
