"Deepest regret."

Eurovision 2020 has been officially cancelled. The European Broadcasting Union announced the decision this afternoon via a statement saying that due to the continued spread of the coronavirus, this May's event has had to be pulled. This year's contest was due to take place in Rotterdam. The EBU are looking at the possibility of holding the contest in the Dutch city next year instead. "It is with deep regret that we have to announce the cancellation of the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 in Rotterdam," reads the statement. https://twitter.com/Eurovision/status/1240267936981569538?s=20 "Over the past few weeks we have explored many alternative options to allow the Eurovision Song Contest to go ahead. "However the uncertainty created by the spread of COVID-19 throughout Europe - and the restrictions put in place by the governments of the participating broadcasters and the Dutch authorities - means the European Broadcasting Union has taken the difficult decision that it is impossible to continue with the live event as planned. "We are very proud that the Eurovision Song Contest has united audiences every year, without interruption, for the past 64 years and we, like the millions of fans around the world, are extremely saddened that it cannot take place in May." This comes after production on EastEnders was confirmed to be shut down today, while Brown Thomas and Arnotts will close this evening until further notice.  All pubs, schools, and colleges across Ireland remain closed.