Eurovision 2021: EBU publishes the Health and Safety protocol for Rotterdam

Eurovision 2021: EBU publishes the Health and Safety protocol for Rotterdam
Tuesday, 02 March 2021

  • The EBU together with the Dutch host broadcasters, NPO, NOS and AVROTROS have published an extensive COVID-19 Health and Safety protocol for the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest.

    With the Eurovision dates getting closer the EBU released today the detailed measures all accredited individuals will have to comply with to attend the Contest in Rotterdam and match those for similar large events such as major sports competitions.

    The measures have been approved by the the Safety Region (Veiligheidsregio Rotterdam-Rijnmond) the official authority reviewing and approving health and safety plans for events; and validated by SGS, an international agency specializing in the review of such plans.The protocol can be adjusted at any time should new developments demand and begins before artists and delegations even arrive in the host city.

    Eurovision Song Contest’s Executive Supervisor Martin Österdahl says: 

    “The spirit and tradition of the Eurovision Song Contest is about uniting Europe on one stage and we are very much still determined to achieve this in Rotterdam in May.“We are moving forward with our plans to produce a safe Eurovision Song Contest, with all artists performing live in Rotterdam. This protocol demonstrates our commitment to  make this happen, with the health and safety of everyone attending, including crew and press, our top priority."

    Executive Producer Event of the 2021 Contest Sietse Bakker adds: 

    “In recent months, a lot of hard work has been done behind the scenes on this extensive Health and Safety protocol, in order to allow us to stage this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in a responsible manner. “With the help of extensive testing, mask wearing, hygiene measures, attention to ventilation and innovative measures, we will create an environment in which crew, artists and the press can work as safely as possible.”

     

    Scenario B put in progress

    While earlier in February a "normal" Eurovision Song Contest as we knew it,  was ruled out for the 2021 editionm, the EBU and organisers were optimistic and focused on implementing for the 65th edition of the contest B scenario with strict health and safety measures and social distancing.

    The decision was recently reaffirmed by the Eurovision Song Contest Reference Group, the event’s governing body, and the EBU’s Executive Board. Should circumstances change in the coming weeks the event can still be scaled down.

    In order for Scenario B to go ahead the number of people in the national delegations will be reduced from previous editions. The number of journalists who can attend the event will not go above 500 with a further 1000 able to cover the show in a new online press centre. A decision on whether an audience can be present at the shows and on what public activities can take place around the event in Rotterdam will be decided at a later time.

     

    Tests on daily basis

    Within the framework of Scenario B and organising a safe Eurovision regular tests will be taking place on daily basis. All those involved in the Eurovision Song Contest from abroad are recommended to go into quarantine for 5 days before departure to the Netherlands and they must test negative for COVID-19 at most 72 hours before they fly.
     
    Once in the Netherlands, delegations have to stay in their hotel, except when they travel to Rotterdam’s Ahoy Arena for rehearsals, the live shows and other programme related activities. Everyone working in the Ahoy Arena, including crew, artists and press, will be tested regularly in a special facility next to the arena.

    Sietse Bakker explains the tests' objective: 

    “Our goal is clear: to prevent transmission of the virus during the event. If someone tests positive, our isolation protocol comes into effect, we support the relevant authorities with track and trace research and we take additional measures where necessary. If a participant is unable to perform live as a result, the backup recording will be used.”

    You can read the whole protocol here.

    A total of 41 nations will be taking part in the 65th edition of Eurovision, competing in two semi final rounds on May 18 and 20 and a Grand final on May 22 at Rotterdam Ahoy.