‘We are devastated’: 49th Annual JUNO Awards cancelled due to COVID-19
Posted March 12, 2020 8:45 am.
Last Updated March 12, 2020 9:39 am.
SASKATOON (NEWS 1130) – The 49th annual JUNO Awards have been cancelled due to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic.
The awards were scheduled to be held in Saskatoon on Sunday.
Organizers announced Thursday “with an incredibly heavy heart” that the awards ceremony and week-long festivities had both been cancelled.
The decision was made “collectively” with the province of Saskatchewan, the City of Saskatoon, Tourism Saskatoon, the Saskatchewan Health Authority and the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health, according to the statement from Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS).
BREAKING NEWS: The 49th Annual Juno Awards have just been cancelled. @NEWS1130 pic.twitter.com/9i55zBQ6Jl
— Amanda Wawryk (@AmandaWawryk) March 12, 2020
“We are devastated to cancel this national celebration of music but at this time of global uncertainty, the health, safety and well-being of all Canadians must stand at the forefront of any decisions that impact our communities,” the statement says. “We know this is the right decision based on the information we currently have and are continuing to receive.”
Organizers are exploring “options to coordinate an alternative way to honour this year’s JUNO Award winners and special awards recipients and support the creators and participants that so greatly benefit from the work done by CARAS and JUNOS.”
