COVID-19: Star Awards 2020 announces postponement in light of virus outbreak
UPDATE: Star Awards 2020 has been postponed, according to a release by Mediacorp today (19 Feb). “In view of the current COVID-19 situation, Mediacorp has decided to postpone Star Awards 2020 to the second half of this year, after much consideration. This is a precautionary measure to ensure the well-being of all artistes, crew and guests. It is also so that we can focus on rallying ourselves behind the national effort of combatting COVID-19 during this period. Mediacorp is dedicated to bringing a glamourous and entertaining Star Awards 2020 to celebrate the achievements of the best in local entertainment over the past year. We look forward to sharing more details in due course.”
SINGAPORE – In light of the Wuhan virus outbreak, many upcoming entertainment events have been cancelled or postponed. However, One Love Asia Festival is still on schedule to make its debut on 1 and 2 May 2020 at Bayfront Event Space, Singapore.
One Love Asia Festival lists bigwigs like Stefanie Sun, Jolin Tsai, Greyson Chance and Goo Goo Dolls as its headliners. According to organiser IMC Live Global in a statement shared to Yahoo Lifestyle SEA, “One Love Asia Festival in Singapore will proceed as scheduled on 1 and 2 May 2020, as of current status. To safeguard the health of both the attendees and artistes, we will be implementing precautionary measures as advised by the Ministry of Health.
Amid current proliferation concerns, please rest assured that management and our partners will constantly monitor the ongoing situation and provide further updates as the facts are known. The safety of our fans, artistes and staff will always remain our first priority and IMC Live Global will continue to act in accordance with the advice and regulations of the local government authorities.
Thank you for your understanding, cooperation and support.”
Homegrown arts and music festival, Garden Beats Festival 2020, is also set to run as planned on 29 February in Fort Canning Park. The organiser said in an announcement, “To ensure the safety of our festival-goers in light of the coronavirus, we are monitoring the DORSCON alert levels issued by the Ministry of Health, Singapore very closely.
As recommended by the Ministry we are implementing the following safety and health measures: Hygiene Hub stations will be set-up across the festival grounds. These stations will include anti-bacterial wipes, anti-bacterial foam, and clean and tidy hygienic waste disposal cans. A temperature-measuring station will be assembled at the entrance where each festival-goer will have their temperature measured prior to entering festival grounds. Stationed ambulance, first-aid tents and trained medical officers will be on standby throughout the festival. We will continue to track the situation closely to ensure a safe festival experience for all.”
However, Taiwanese singer Jam Hsiao has cancelled his upcoming concert, which was scheduled on 18 April at Singapore Indoor Stadium. Live Nation, the organiser of his concert tour, ‘Mr. Entertainment’, shared today (14 Feb): “The concert was cancelled due to "coronavirus proliferation concerns" and that the "safety of artists, patrons and staff is (its) top priority".
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Meanwhile, three K-pop concerts organised by Live Nation have also been cancelled - Taeyeon’s 1 February concert at Singapore Indoor Stadium, Winner’s 8 February concert at The Star Theatre, and Got7’s 22 February concert at Singapore Indoor Stadium.
When asked about the cancellations, the company’s spokesperson said, “Live Nation is monitoring the situation closely. The safety of artists, patrons and staff is our top priority and we will continue to act on advice from the authorities on the coronavirus and take precautionary measures in line with prevention efforts. Customers who have purchased tickets will receive full refunds through the original mode of payment.”
NCT Dream, a teen unit of South Korean band NCT, who was due to perform on 15 February at The Star Theatre, also postponed their concert. Events promoter One Production, who was organising NCT Dream’s tour show, “The Dream Show,” works with Live Nation.
For more information, go to http://livenation.sg/ and www.imclive-global.com
