Alexandra Redde-Amiel, French Head of Delegation and Executive Producer of Junior Eurovision 2021, confirmed in today’s press conference that there will be no “live-on-tape” or prerecordings of the songs competing in this edition.

If a participant or a member of a delegation tests positive, either the music video or a recording of their rehearsal, if they have had one at La Seine Musicale by that point, will be used instead.

At the conference, organised by host broadcaster France tv, strict Covid protocols for entering the venue, which is due to open its doors for rehearsals on 10th December and to spectators on 18th and 19th December, were outlined. These include the requirement of:

• A “Passe Sanitaire” (Health Certificate in the EU)
• A negative PCR or rapid antigen test from within the last 72 hours
• A completed vaccination certificate, with proof that double vaccination has been completed between a week and a month prior depending on the vaccine and antibody generation capability (further information can be found here)
• A positive RT-PCR test showing recovery from Covid-19 between 11 days and 6 months prior (if necessary).

These can be presented digitally, on a phone, or printed on paper. In addition, these will only be obligatory for adults and children over the age of 12, according to the French Ministry of Health.

Audience members who are not residents of France will have to present an official health document from their country which is valid in the EU, including participants and delegates.

It will be obligatory to wear a face covering when in La Seine Musicale, unless exempt. Security and on-site staff will also wear masks, which they will change every 4 hours. Chairs, toilets and amenities will be disinfected after each use, and audience members will be asked to observe social distancing.

Audience members are required to arrive at least 90 minutes prior to the start of the show, which means that, for the live broadcast show on Sunday 19th December, the audience must arrive for 2:30pm local time.

Participants and delegation members will be expected to follow basic hygiene measures, such as hand-washing and frequent use of sanitiser gel, wearing of N95 or FFP2 masks in line with EU recommendations, 1.5-metre social distancing and avoiding contact with others through hand-shaking, hugging and la bise.

A test centre will also be set up on site, in order for delegation members to take regular Covid tests every 48 hours for the security of staff and participants. In the same way a rehearsal timetable has been set up, a testing timetable will also be sent to the heads of delegation in the coming weeks.

Delegations may also only travel in private vehicles, every member will be staying in a separate hotel room, and will take it in turns to go to meals.

Redde-Amiel acknowledged the great example Rotterdam set at Eurovision 2021, where only a handful of positive Covid tests came from the 20,000 or so who entered the venue during the 2-week process in May.

Are you going to Junior Eurovision 2021? Are you excited? Let us know in the comments and on social media.