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Country Music Association Awards

CMA Awards: 'We are following all protocols,' says statement regarding mask during awards show

Juan Buitrago
Nashville Tennessean

The Country Music Association says it is following CDC regulations during its live broadcast amid a flurry of tweets criticizing the event for the lack of masks on display during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

While the CMAs were the last of three country music awards shows to be produced during the pandemic, they were the first to feature many of the genre’s stars in the same room, Music City Center in Nashville, Tennessee, at the same time.

Still, the show was unable to avoid the pitfalls common to the pandemic. Less than an hour before showtime, Lady A and Jenee Fleenor, were added to the list of artists unable to perform due to potential contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19. A half-hour into the show, Rascal Flatts announced that they would have to miss their performance after an unidentified member of the band tested positive. 

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While the awards show carried on, the lack of masks among the audience prompted some questions on Twitter. 

"Question... why are the people attending the CMA not wearing masks?," tweeted Sharon Viner 

"We are following all protocols that have been put in place by the CDC as well as the creative unions to ensure we provide the safest environment possible," said a statement on behalf of the CMA. 

"Prior to even stepping onto our footprint at MCC, every single person (including artists and their reps) was required to be tested, with many testing repeatedly throughout the week as an extra measure of precaution. Just as with COVID regulations at restaurants, all in attendance are required to wear a mask any time they leave their assigned seat."

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During the broadcast, country artists could be seen seated maskless at their respective tables throughout Music City Center. The only people who were seen out among the audience were the hosts, Reba McEntire and Darius Rucker, along with other award presenters. 

"Staff and crew are also required to wear PPE at all times and, of course, practice social and physical distancing. Tables are spaced eight feet apart with no more than four people seated per table," the statement continued.  

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