Big Brother Australia SHUTS DOWN after positive coronavirus test throws production into chaos in Sydney
Channel Seven’s Big Brother Australia has shut down production for at least two days at Manly North Head, Sydney while a crew member is tested for coronavirus.
According to TV Blackbox, the series has been temporarily halted until the staffer’s results are back, after ‘someone they live with tested positive for COVID-19’.
Most crew members have been ‘sent home to self-isolate’ as they await the worker’s diagnosis, and producers can then asses how to proceed with the series.
Scare: Channel Seven’s Big Brother Australia has shut down production for at least two days while a crew member is tested for coronavirus. Pictured: The new BB house in Manly, Sydney
A spokesperson for Endemol Shine Australia, who are producing the pre-recorded reboot of the reality show, issued a statement to the online publication.
The statement reads: ‘We have been made aware that a Big Brother crew member has been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
‘The crew member is currently feeling well and showing no symptoms of the virus, however is being tested and now self-isolating. As a precaution the site is currently in lock down pending testing and further advice.
‘We continue to work within all Federal and State guidelines and will always make the health, safety and well-being of our cast and crew our number one priority. Housemates have been brought up to date with the current situation’.
Fears: According to TV Blackbox , the series has been temporarily halted until the staffer’s results are back, after ‘someone they live with tested positive for COVID-19’
Chaos: Most crew members have been ‘sent home to self-isolate’ until the results are back. It is unclear if the housemates have left the compound. Pictured: Big Brother’s control room
If the crew member tests positive for coronavirus, the entire production could be completely shut down for two weeks.
It is currently unclear if the housemates have remained in the custom-built studio compound as most of the crew have been ‘sent home to self-isolate’.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Channel Seven for comment.
Awaiting results: If the crew member tests positive for coronavirus, the entire production could be completely shut down for two weeks. Pictured: A sign outside the BB set last week
The Big Brother Australia contestants were ‘shocked’ to learn about the coronavirus pandemic last week, according to host Sonia Kruger.
Sonia revealed last week that housemates had been been notified of the situation on March 13, but their reactions won’t be shown on television.
She said on Sunrise: ‘Our executive producer went into the house and spoke to them through the diary room, but it wasn’t filmed.’
‘[The producer] didn’t enter the house. She spoke to them through the diary room and answered all of their questions. They were shocked, as most people would be learning of this worldwide pandemic,’ Sonia added.
Update: The Big Brother Australia contestants were ‘shocked’ to learn about the coronavirus pandemic last week, according to host Sonia Kruger (pictured)
Big Brother began filming in Manly last month – before COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization.
The reality show is being pre-recorded this year for the first time in its history.
Coronavirus cases in Australia surged to 1,073 on Saturday, with 7 deaths so far.
Coming soon: Big Brother began filming in Manly last month – before COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. The reality show is being pre-recorded this year