A Dutch scientist claims it would be irresponsible and even foolish to hold the European singer competition in the country, as long as control of the spread of the virus was not achieved

• Is Eurovision 2020 in jeopardy? // Logo, GettyImages

While Israel is excited about the unveiling of the four optional songs that will represent the country at the Eurovision Song Contest in Rotterdam (tomorrow, Thursday, here 11), there are some who are wondering if the European singer competition could even take place this year. Father Ostraus, an esteemed scientist from the Netherlands - the site of Eurovision's intended preparation this year, says that in light of the many cases of the disease in Europe, it will be foolish and not responsible to hold the competition in the country, as long as the virus has not spread.

In an interview by Ostraus, a senior viral disease researcher and influenza expert, to Dutch magazine "AD", the scientist raised the question of how smart it would be to bring tens of thousands of people from all over the world to Rotterdam during this time. "You have to take into account the scenario in which events like the Eurovision Song Contest cannot take place," he said. It has not spread at such a rapid rate. "

On the 24th, Ingrid Adriaan, a spokeswoman for the city of Rotterdam, said that as far as the competition was held on the spot, this was further examined. "We are monitoring everything that is going on closely and we are ready for any possible risk and threat. On this basis, assessments are being made about the need to take additional precautions. However, it is still too early to comment on possible scenarios."

Danny Warmer, a spokesman for Eurovision organizers, announced that the transmitter supervisors were acting on instructions from the National Public Health Institute - and not for Austraus. "There is no doubt that this person is good at his job, but we follow the guidelines of the Netherlands Institute of Public Health," said Wormer, in response to the scientist's comments. "Their advice comes first, and if they say there is a certain threat, we will act accordingly. It is too early to know (if there is a need to cancel the Eurovision)."

The outbreak of the virus has already resulted in several cancellations and rejections of high-profile media events. Among them is the Venice Carnival of Masks, which was scheduled to end on February 25 but shortened in two days. Also, future event organizers have already taken steps to change their date of existence, including the Formula 1 China Grand Prix, originally scheduled to take place in April and postponed until further notice. In addition, a member of the International Olympic Committee announced that the decision to hold the Olympic Games in Tokyo this summer may be postponed until the end of May.

It should be noted that the corona virus spreads and survives more time in wintry and cold weather. Therefore, there is hope from experts in the field that its spread will stop or at the very least slow down as the virtues rise with the arrival of spring and summer and fewer cases of virus infection will be discovered.

Either way, the organizers of each year hold an emergency plan in case the city where the Eurovision is held is under unexpected crises like terrorist attacks, extreme weather or natural disaster. Even if an audience cannot visit the venue, the evening organizers intend to hold it in a different format - whether in a TV studio or in an empty audience room.

The Eurovision is scheduled for May 12, 14 and 16.

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