After the news that one member of the delegation of Poland, and later of Iceland as well, tested positive for COVID-19, these two delegations were put in quarantine and the organizers of this year’s Contest have performed further PCR tests for both delegations. Two other delegations staying in the same hotel as Poland and Iceland – Romania and Malta were then forced to miss yesterday’s Turquoise Carpet Ceremony for security reasons, and they have undergone further tests as well.

As no one from neither the Romanian nor the Maltese delegations tested positive, both delegations are back in the Ahoy Arena today, and ready to rehearse with the other 13 delegations competing in the first semi final (as the Australian delegation did not travel to Rotterdam, their live-on-tape will be used during the show).

On the other hand, Poland and Iceland still remain in quarantine. The EBU stated the following:

Following the positive COVID-19 test in the Polish delegation on Saturday 15 May all other members of the delegation undertook a PCR test, in accordance with the health and safety protocol of the Eurovision Song Contest 2021, and we’re pleased to report that all these PCR tests returned negative results.

As a precaution the Polish delegation will remain in quarantine until being retested ahead of dress rehearsals for Semi Final 2, in which Poland perform, on Wednesday.

Following a positive COVID-19 test within the Icelandic delegation yesterday (Sunday 16 May), they too have had PCR tests for which we are awaiting the results today and will remain in quarantine. They will also have further testing ahead of the same dress rehearsals in which they are also due to perform.

All accredited individuals, including artists, have to test negative for COVID-19 before they can re-join the production.

The first semi final which will also be seen by the national juries is taking place tonight at 9pm CET, and ESCBubble will take you through the entire show, as always! Make sure to check back tonight for all the information on everyone’s performance that will determine 50% of the final outcome. And in the meantime, let us know which songs you think should – or will qualify from the two semi finals, by voting for up to five songs from each semi in our polls right here: