20th SEPTEMBER 2021
In ongoing communication with the health authorities, the Princess of Asturias Foundation Board of Trustees has monitored the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic over the last year as well as the measures adopted globally to alleviate its effects on the health of the population.
Following the experience of 2020 and maintaining the same criteria of responsibility and prudence, in light of the current situation the Foundation has been developing an ongoing prevention plan aimed at minimizing the risk of contagion and the spread of the virus. At the same time, this constantly evolving plan enables fulfilling the Foundation’s core mission –the granting and presentation of the Princess of Asturias Awards– via the adoption of all necessary measures in terms of formats, numbers of attendees and healthcare requirements.
With respect to the presentation of the Princess of Asturias Awards, scheduled for 22nd October, and the activities that are usually held around this event, the Board of Trustees has agreed to the following:
- Just like last year, all those attending the events organized by the Foundation must formally accept a Statement of Responsibility via which they assume their compliance with and commitment to the health prevention protocol established by the Foundation.
- Different measures will be established depending on the type of event, the venue and the number of attendees.
- After the hiatus of 2020, the Princess of Asturias Awards Ceremony will once again take place in the Campoamor Theatre in Oviedo, in accordance with stringent health and safety measures while always occupying less than 60% of the 1313 seats normally available counted for the ceremony.
- The luncheon served on the day of the Awards Ceremony will have fewer attendees and will adopt a different format than usual for the greater safety of all concerned.
- The reception that has traditionally been offered on the occasion of the Awards Ceremony will not be held. There will be a meeting solely attended by the Royal Family, the authorities, the Laureates and their guests, and the chairs of the Juries.
- The cultural programme that is organized around the Awards Ceremony will be in keeping with the current special healthcare circumstances, adapting the formats employed and the number of those attending.
- As in previous years, the events will once again be held in different locations throughout the region of Asturias.
- The regional cultural programme entitled “Taking the Floor” will be resumed.
- Events linked to this programme will not be organized in schools.
- The traditional concert that takes place on the eve of the Awards Ceremony will be held at the Prince Felipe Auditorium in Oviedo, with less than 60% of the venue’s 1559 seats being made available.
- The final rehearsal that takes place the day before the concert will be open to the public with the same number seating capacity.
- This institutional event will be held in the open air.
- The picnic with the residents has been suspended.