Eurovision Song Contest bosses ban alcohol at final to avoid spreading Covid-19

by

Fans attending this weekend’s Eurovision Song Contest won’t be able to enjoy alcoholic beverages after bosses decided to ban booze.

The decision to ban alcohol at all hotels and venues taking part in this year’s competition in Rotterdam was made after a member of Iceland’s team tested positive for coronavirus.

According to reports, organisers felt that allowing drinking would risk spreading the disease, and could affect strict social distancing measures that are in place.

Prior to the ban, contestants and their support teams, many of whom have been in Holland since last weekend, could enjoy alcoholic drinks at designated venues and hotels until midnight.



James Newman will be representing the UK at this year's Eurovision Song Contest where all alcohol has been banned
James Newman will be representing the UK at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest where all alcohol has been banned

The Sun claim that many were not happy with the decision and the Russian team have even lodged a complaint.

One source in Rotterdam told newspaper: “The decision to ban alcohol has gone down like a lead balloon. There were already strict social-distancing measures in place.

“Having a drink was at least one enjoyable part of being out here – but now that’s gone too.



This year's competition is taking place in Holland in the city of Rotterdam
This year’s competition is taking place in Holland in the city of Rotterdam

“Lots of the artists are absolutely furious that this has happened. They don’t believe the virus incident in the Icelandic team had anything to do with alcohol being consumed,” they added.

Earlier this week, Iceland withdrew from the singing competition after Jóhann Sigurður Jóhannsson, a member of Iceland’s band entry Daði og Gagnamagnið, confirmed they had Covid-19.

He told fans: “I’m generally very sad about the whole situation. I’m healthy. It’s difficult because we’ve worked so hard and I really wanted this and it’s been so long in the making.



Icelandic act Daði og Gagnamagnið were forced to withdraw from the song contest after one member tested positive for Covid-19
Icelandic act Daði og Gagnamagnið were forced to withdraw from the song contest after one member tested positive for Covid-19

“We’re really proud of our rehearsal and I’m hoping we will make Icelanders proud and make our supporters proud.”

Daði og Gagnamagnið shot to viral fame last year, despite the competition not going ahead, after its catchy track Think About Things became a huge hit with fans.

Organisers said in a statement on Wednesday night: “Following a positive test for Covid-19 amongst the Icelandic delegation on Sunday 16 May, the whole team has been in quarantine and undergone PCR testing on 16 and 19 May.



The Icelandic group's song will remain in the competition and their rehearsal performance will be broadcast
The Icelandic group’s song will remain in the competition and their rehearsal performance will be broadcast

“Today a member of the Icelandic group Daði og Gagnamagnið also tested positive for Covid-19. The rest of the delegation has again tested negative for Covid-19.

“In close collaboration with the EBU and the host broadcaster, Daði og Gagnamagnið have taken the difficult decision to withdraw from performing in this year’s live Eurovision Song Contest shows, as they only want to perform together as a group.

“Their song will remain in the competition and we will broadcast their rehearsal performance, recorded on the stage on 13 May,” they added.

The Eurovision Song Contest final will air on BBC One at 8pm on Saturday 22 May.

Originally from https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/eurovision-song-contest-bosses-ban-24161311

Leave a Comment