Junior Eurovision cautious over COVID concerns

COVID-19 continues to jeopardise Eurovision plans, with Junior Eurovision to be held on December 19 in France.

France confirmed its first case of the Omicron variant of coronavirus on December 2. There are now 25 cases.

Organisers recently confirmed the dress rehearsal show is now being done without an audience but the Final will include an audience wearing masks.

New health and safety measures were recently announced more broadly by the French government. These include requiring a negative PCR test within 24 hours for all travellers coming from outside the European Union. A COVID pass is also required for everyone and anyone to enter all enclosed areas, and the terraces of bars and restaurants. The validity of the tests has been reduced to 24 hours.

The European Broadcasting Union said in a statement, “In response to the exceptional health situation in Europe right now, and to ensure the presence on stage of each of our 19 artists, France Télévisions has decided to only admit an audience to the Live Show of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest on Sunday 19 December.

“Those who have booked tickets for the Dress Rehearsal on Saturday 18 December should contact La Seine Musicale directly. They can receive a full refund or transfer their tickets to the Live Show on Sunday 19 December.”

Australia is not performing at Junior Eurovision for the second year in a row.

Source: wiwibloggs