Thread by @DaveKeating

I'm in #Rotterdam for tonight's #Eurovision Song Contest - the 1st major live television event of the pandemic (last year was cancelled).

I've covered many ESCs over the years but this one is surreal. Here's what it's like to be here as press at the Covid Eurovision (🧵1/10 )

This week is a big test. There will be lessons learned for upcoming international events like #Euro2020 & #TokyoOlympics.

Performers getting Covid and isolating has gotten headlines. But everyone here is constantly tested and something like 0.6% have been positive I'm told.

Testing is required every 48 hours for all performers, crew, press and audience members. They're separated into strict bubbles that cannot interact.

Some press have been kicked out because they attended semi-finals as audience members. Covid status is linked to entry badge.

They're using a breathing test first, but it seems they're not working well. They're temperamental and you have to do the breathing procedure exactly right (can't have had alcohol within past 8 hours).

Seems most results are inconclusive, then they do a rapid nasal test instead.

In a normal year about 1,500 registered journalists attend Eurovision week. This year it's just 500, but the press centre size is the same.

So it looks very empty. There is a strict system of desk registration and social distancing, everyone must wear specific provided mask.

Normally a #Eurovision host city is transformed for the week, with activities all over. Many people come for that and don't even go to a show.

This year, of course, that's not happening. But at least they've changed crosswalk signals to play ABBA's Waterloo when it's time to go.

The rules are quite strict here (there is a 46-page health & safety protocol dihtc5a8ik7gk.cloudfront.net/uploads/eZMgJk…).

*But*, once you've tested negative and you're in, there's no mask requirement for the audience while seated. (7/10)

Rules are most strict for the #Eurovision performers bubble. They are required to stay in their hotel at all times except when rehearsing or performing.

Unfortunately that's made it hard for the performers to communicate with the press (and plead their case with the public).

Normally strict performance rules changed this once to allow pre-recorded videos. 🇦🇺 gov wouldn't allow their contestant to leave so she competed remotely Tuesday (eliminated).

#Iceland and 2019 winner #DuncanLaurence have tested positive, will use pre-recorded videos tonight.

All in all the main focus here is to make this feel as normal as possible - for the TV audience at least.

You at home aren't supposed to see any of this weirdness. The recorded videos are supposed to look live.

Hosts will not be mentioning the pandemic. People want a fun escape