Daytime talk show host Ellen DeGeneres revealed Thursday she tested positive for COVID-19.
She said in a statement posted to Instagram she is “feeling fine” but will be following the CDC-approved guidelines and will see her audience “after the holidays.” A Telepictures spokesperson told TheWrap, “Following Ellen’s announcement this morning, we have paused production on ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’ until January.”
“The Ellen Show” has been airing its popular 12 Days of Giveaways. According to a source with knowledge of the show’s production, the 12th installment was supposed to be taped Tuesday and has not yet been recorded, but all presents will still be delivered. Day 11, which was taped on Monday, will now be the final day of “Ellen” production in 2020.
“I want to let you all know that I tested positive for COVID-19,” she wrote in her statement. “Fortunately, I’m feeling fine right now. Anyone who has been in close contact with me has been notified, and I am following all proper CDC guidelines. I’ll see you all again after the holidays. Please stay healthy and safe.”
The coronavirus pandemic is a topic DeGeneres has been tackling on her show for months. The most recent Instagram post before her announcement of her positive test showed a frontline worker receiving a new car from “The Ellen Show.” The show has featured a virtual audience all season in place of its typical live audience.
Numerous on-air personalities from across the American television landscape have tested positive since the pandemic began. DeGeneres joins CNN’s Chris Cuomo and Brooke Baldwin, MSNBC’s Stephanie Ruhle and more.
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