Coronavirus hits Eurovision opening ceremony, Iceland and Poland in isolation

The Dutch contestant Jeangu Mooy arriving at Sunday's opening ceremony. Photo: EBU / Andres Putting
The Dutch contestant Jeangu Macrooy arriving at Sunday’s opening ceremony. Photo: EBU / Andres Putting

Two people from two different delegations to the Eurovision Song Festival in Rotterdam have been diagnosed with coronavirus and two other teams bowed out of Sunday’s ‘Turquoise Carpet’ opening ceremony to go into isolation.

The Icelandic and Polish delegations have both been confined to their hotels after a member of their team was diagnosed with the virus. Malta and Romania, staying at the same hotel, both withdrew from the opening ceremony as a precaution.

Malta and Iceland are both among the bookies’ favourites.

The organisers have not yet said if there will be any changes to the arrangements for spectators at the Ahoy stadium in Rotterdam. In total, 3,500 fans will be allowed to watch each of the semi finals and the grand final next Saturday night, as well as the rehearsals.

People over the age of 70 and in high risk categories are not being allowed to attend.

‘Our primary objective is to produce a fully Covid -19 safe event, and the health and welfare of all those taking part, working at the event or in the audience is our most important priority,’ the organisers said in a statement on Sunday.

‘A range of strict measures, including isolation, social distancing and regular testing have been imposed on everyone on the advice of health professionals to ensure everyone’s safety.’

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