Despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the MTV VMAs are scheduled to take place this August. This year’s awards ceremony will be held at the Barclays Center, following the approval of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.

The 2020 VMAs will have extremely limited audience members, with strict social distancing measures and virtual performances.

“We’re elated to bring the 2020 “VMAs” back to NYC, the cultural mecca of the world where music and entertainment are woven into the DNA,” Bruce Gillmer, President of Music, Music Talent, Programming & Events for ViacomCBS Media Networks, said in a statement.

“The 2020 MTV VMAs will be the first Barclays Center event since the COVID-19 pandemic reached New York,” added Oliver Weisberg, CEO of Barclays Center and the Brooklyn Nets. “We’re very excited to once again host this legendary night of music, and are especially proud of the impact it will have on our Brooklyn community through the creation of local jobs. We deeply appreciate the support and advice of state and local government officials, as well as our internal management and team of medical experts, all of whom have been working hard to ensure the health and safety of everyone involved, and we will continue to closely follow their guidance throughout every step of the planning process with our partners at ViacomCBS.”

While several musical events have been cancelled due to the pandemic, the VMAs are one of the first major events of the year to proceed with strict rules and precautions in place.