Little Mix have been forced to scrap a proposed video shoot in South America amid growing concerns over the coronavirus epidemic.
The girl-group planned to film a promotional video for the lead single from their forthcoming sixth album, but the production team were reluctant to make the 8,800 mile journey after fearing they might be quarantined upon their return to the UK, The Sun reports.
More than 3,800 people have died globally from the virus to date, with South American countries Peru, Panama, Paraguay, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Colombia all recording cases so far.
A change of plans: Little Mix have been forced to scrap a proposed video shoot in South America amid growing concerns over the coronavirus epidemic
With their original plans postponed, the group flew to Brazil alone for a performance at São Paulo’s GRLS festival on Sunday evening – but took to the stage without Perrie Edwards.
The singer was forced to remain in the UK after falling ill, meaning band-mates Jesse Nelson, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jade Thilrwall performed as a three-piece on the night.
A music insider told The Sun: ‘Little Mix have been working really hard on their BBC1 show The Search in recent weeks as well as putting in rehearsals for their festival show and the new video.
Conc ern: The group, including singer Jessie Nelson, had planned to film a promotional video for the lead single from their forthcoming sixth album, but quarantine fears have resulted in a change to their packed schedule
‘But they obviously couldn’t shoot anything without a crew so it was cancelled a week before they went out there.
‘They are looking into different locations and schedules to make sure they can get brilliant visuals for their new single.
‘They will be filming it somewhere else once Perrie is feeling better and the other girls have returned from Brazil. But they know they are up against the clock to make sure it is all done in time.’
Three-piece: With their original plans postponed, the group flew to Brazil alone for a performance at São Paulo’s GRLS festival on Sunday evening – but took to the stage without Perrie Edwards, who was ill
The video postponement comes after several countries placed travel restrictions and limits on large gatherings that have led to the likes of Stormzy, Avril Lavigne, and Slipknot postponing shows.
Ozzy Osbourne and Yungblud have also cancelled appearances as fears around the spread of coronavirus strain COVID-19 continue to escalate.
Rock icon Ozzy withdraw from the annual SXSW festival in Austin, Texas, where he was due to support the world premiere screening of Biography: The Nine Lives of Ozzy Osbourne.
Epidemic: More than 3,800 people have died globally from the virus to date, with South American countries Peru, Panama, Paraguay, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Colombia all recording cases so far
A representative explained: ‘Following recent cancellations by major corporations, artists, record companies and studios because of the ongoing threat of the coronavirus, Ozzy Osbourne has likewise decided to cancel his upcoming appearance at SXSW.’
Yungblud has since postponed the Asia leg of his ongoing world tour, cancelling shows in South America, the United States and Europe.
The singer was due to play in South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, the Philippines and Singapore later this month, but has pulled out after being advised about ‘travel risks’ started by the virus.
Axed: Rock icon Ozzy Osbourne withdrew from the annual SXSW festival in Austin, Texas, where he was due to support the world premiere screening of Biography: The Nine Lives of Ozzy Osbourne.
Bad news: Yungblud postponed the Asia leg of his ongoing world tour amid coronavirus fears
Speaking on his Instagram Stories, he said: ‘I’m going to have to cancel this Asia tour, because we’ve been advised about travel risks, in terms of coronavirus.
‘At first I was going to say, “F**k it” and come, but we have been advised again to seriously not.’
MailOnline has contacted a Little Mix representative for further comment.