Don’t worry country fans, ACM awards will go on despite coronavirus concerns
By Camden Mondeaux on March 11, 2020
The Academy of Country Music announced the April 5 awards show will go on as scheduled in Las Vegas, with officials still monitoring the spread of the coronavirus.
By: Cami Mondeaux
Keith Urban will still host the show that will air live on CBS. Other stars to appear include Miranda Lambert, Lindsay Ell, Caylee Hammack, Elle King, Ashley McBryde and Tenille Townes.
“We are closely monitoring the situation along with the MGM team, who are in continuous contact with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Southern Nevada Health District, and other agencies and experts for guidance. We will take every precaution to ensure the safety of our artists, staff, crew, guests and attendees,” the ACM said in a statement.
The award show is a unique case, as many other concerts and shows have been canceled in light of the virus. Coachella announced it would be postponed because of worries of the outbreak.
For most people, coronavirus cases only cause mild or moderate symptoms like a fever and cough. But, it is more dangerous for older adults and people with existing health problems.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said those who experience symptoms usually recover in about two weeks, with more severe cases recovering in three to six weeks.
WHO announced the outbreak is now defined as a pandemic Wednesday.
The Academy of Country Music organization is based in Los Angeles, where the California governor has been telling residents in the state to avoid large gatherings to prevent the spread of the virus. The award show will take place in Nevada, where there have only been a small number of confirmed cases.
Other music festivals, like South by Southwest in Austin, Texas, was cancelled while Coachella and the country-themed Stagecoach in California were postponed until the fall.
