The 2020 MTV Video Music Awards was set to be one of New York City's first large-scale indoor events that had been held since the initial outbreak of COVID-19.

But late Friday, MTV announced it had decided against holding the August 30th event at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. Instead, it will stage a series of outdoor performances in various NYC boroughs.

"In close consultation with state and local health officials‎, it became clear at this time that outdoor performances with limited or no audience would be more feasible and safer than an indoor event," said an MTV statement. "The VMAs will highlight the boroughs in an exciting show and return to Barclays Center in 2021. MTV will continue to work closely with the Department of Health, state and local officials, the medical community, and key stakeholders to ensure the safety of all involved."

The outdoor events will take place in front of limited or no audiences.