Earlier this year, the EBU announced that the Eurovision Song Contest would take place under Scenario B as one of the first large-scale events in the world to have an audience since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Many wondered what the fall-out from having so many people in one room would be, and now it appears that we have our answer.
Fieldlab Events confirmed to Nu.nl that of the over 29,000 audience members who attended nine Eurovision shows between May 17th and 22nd, 48 have contracted COVID-19 during or immediately following the contest.
How The Numbers Compare to the Dutch National Average
This raw number equates to an infection rate of 1.6 visitors per thousand, or five visitors per show. According to Fieldlab, this number is much lower than the Dutch national average of 4.9 people per thousand during the same period.
It is important to note that these numbers only reflects the audience at the contest. They do not include those working behind the scenes, such as the crew, volunteers, press, or delegation members. Those numbers are expected from the EBU later this month.
The positive cases from the Icelandic delegation and Duncan Laurence are thus not part of these numbers.
Audience Safety Measures During the Contest
Organizers put a number of safety measures in place to decrease the impact of COVID-19.
According to FieldLab, all visitors had to provide a negative test no earlier than 24 hours before entering the Rotterdam AHOY. They also had to arrive and depart in certain time slots and wear masks when not seated in the arena.
Visitors who displayed symptoms prior to arriving were asked to stay at home.
What do you think of these results? Are you pleased with the EBU’s handling of the virus at Eurovision? Let us know in the comments or on social media. Don’t forget to follow ‘THAT Eurovision Site’ on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
News Source: Nu.nl / FieldLab
Photo Source: EBU / Thomas Hanses
