JKU Rector Meinhard Lukas stated: "Our health takes priority over the annual ball. As a university, we not only serve as a role model, but we also have a social responsibility. We are saddened that we must cancel however, in lieu of the high risk of infection rates, we feel holding the ball would be too risky."

Last January, 3,300 visitors attended the 2020 JKU Ball. Even if the number of ball guests was limited, it would still be difficult to adhere to the safety protocols and measures; being able to dance only with those in the same household is not part of the ball’s gala evening. Rector Lukas added: "We will cancel the event this year but look all that much more forward to next year’s ball in 2022."