The Eurovision Song Contest 2020 that was to take place in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, was cancelled owing to the uncertainty created by the spread of COVID-19 throughout Europe, IPN reports.

A press statement issued by the EBU says that over the past few weeks, they “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 (EBU) has taken the difficult decision to not continue with the live event as planned.”

“The health of artists, staff, fans and visitors, as well as the situation in the Netherlands, Europe and the world, is at the heart of this decision,” runs the statement.

Moldova was to be represented at the contest by singer Natalia Gordienko.

The Eurovision Song Contest 2020 was to take place under the slogan “Open Up”, with semifinals on May 12 and 14 and the final on May 16.