The European Broadcasting Union has announced that a member of the Portuguese delegation has tested positive for COVID-19.
The statement reads:
A member of the Portuguese delegation has tested positive for COVID-19 while undergoing routine antigenic testing at the PalaOlimpico venue in Turin.
They are feeling well and not displaying any symptoms.
In accordance with our Health and Safety protocol they have undertaken a further PCR test, have returned to their hotel and will now go into isolation for 7 days. We will update on their progress in due course.
According to the Health and Safety Protocol in place for the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 the rest of the delegation are not obliged to enter isolation or quarantine but, in accordance with Italian law, must wear FFP2 masks at all times both inside and outside the venue.
Portugal will continue with their scheduled rehearsal this afternoon, Wednesday 4 May.
Portugal’s rehearsal has been rescheduled to later this afternoon. The exact time of the rehearsal is to be confirmed.
Who is Maro?
Mariana Brito da Cruz Forjaz Secca, also known as Maro, was born on 30th October 1994 in Portugal. As a teenager, she had planned to become a veterinarian, but, at the age of 19, she decided to pursue a music career. Once she’d graduated from Berklee College of Music in 2017, she moved to Los Angeles, where she released several self-penned albums. Over her career, she has supported several artists such as Jessie J, Fatai, and Charlotte Cardin.
Maro was selected to represent Portugal using Festival da Canção. In the Grand Final, she received a maximum of 12 points from both the jury and the public and finished 10 points ahead of the second-placed act.
Image source: EBU / Andres Putting | Source: Eurovision.tv
Portugal debuted in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1964 represented by Antonio Calvario. The country finished last scoring nul points. Prior to 2016, the best result of Portugal was 6th place which came in 1996 when Lucia Moniz performed in Oslo. She scored 92 points, receiving the 12 points from both Norway and Cyprus. Since their debut, Portugal have missed a total of five contests. In 2017, Portugal produced a spectacular win when Salvador Sobral took home the crystal microphone with his song “Amar Pelos Dois.” The 2018 contest was held in Lisbon, Portugal for the first time.
