The corona virus can pose a threat to the Eurovision Song Contest in Rotterdam. That says virologist Ab Osterhaus. He does not rule out the possibility that the event cannot continue if the virus spreads further in Europe.

If the spread of the corona virus is not under control in a few months, it is unwise to bring so many people from all over the world together in Rotterdam. “You have to take into account the scenario that events like the Eurovision Song Contest cannot go ahead, but that depends on how the corona virus develops in the coming period,” said Osterhaus, who worked for RIVM and Erasmus MC for years and deals with the prevention of infectious diseases that pass from animals to humans.

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It is currently difficult to predict how the virus will spread. ,, But it does not look very hopeful because of the different places where it now appears. The next step is to let the spread go as slowly as possible. ”

It is likely that the Netherlands will also have to deal with corona infections. In Italy, deaths have occurred and hundreds of people have been infected. A solution seems far away. “It is still possible that the virus will eventually be suppressed,” says Osterhaus. “We succeeded at Sars, but the virus spread less quickly.”

Factors

How the virus spreads depends on a lot of factors. This way the weather can be of influence. ,, The coronavirus is possible as a cold virus that thrives well in the winter. It is possible that the spread in the month of May has already weakened. At the same time, it will be winter in the southern hemisphere. “

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The Eurovision Song Contest takes place in May. Thousands of people are also expected during the Rotterdam Marathon on April 5, including many foreigners. A spokesperson for the RIVM said that no measures have yet been taken. ,, There are new developments every day. We are far from sure how it will spread. “

Blood tests

For example, it is now not clear how many people worldwide are infected with the corona virus without having had significant symptoms. According to Osterhaus, that is important to know. Blood tests are currently being developed so that people can be tested for whether antibodies to the virus have been produced. That indicates how many people have already built up resistance against the virus. The spread and the number of new cases in the coming months will influence large-scale events such as the marathon and the song festival. The organization of the song festival is in close contact with the RIVM and the GGD.

,, We monitor everything well and are prepared for all possible risks and threats. On the basis of this, an assessment is made as to whether additional measures are needed “,” says Ingrid Adriaanse of the song festival organization.