Ellen Degeneres Tests Positive for Coronavirus; Talk Show On Hiatus

Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres is usually the one bringing the laughs but recent times are no laughing matter. In fact, she has just revealed that, like so many others in this country and around the world, she has tested positive for COVID-19.

Ellen Degeneres Tests Positive

The actress shared the news on an Instagram post from the show’s official account. “Hi Everyone,” Ellen wrote. “I want to let you all know that I tested positive for Covid-19. 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. Love, Ellen.”

As a result, production on her daily talk show has been put on pause until January. Other celebrities and public figures who have contracted COVID-19 include singer Gloria Estefan, reality TV star Kyle Richards (Real Housewives of Beverly Hills), actress Rosie Perez (The Flight Attendant), Ben Platt (The Politician), Richard Schiff (The Good Doctor) and his wife/co-star Sheila Kelly, Hugh Grant (The Undoing; Four Weddings and a Funeral), Charlie Hunnam (Sons of Anarchy), John Elway (Denver Broncos), Alyssa Milano (Charmed; Who’s the Boss?), Madonna (Vogue), Prince Charles, and numerous others.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has the latest information on the coronavirus/COVID-19. The site has posted the following: “COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths across the United States are rising. As cold weather moves in, people spend more time indoors, and the holidays approach, take steps to slow the spread of COVID-19. Wear a mask, stay at least 6 feet apart, avoid crowds, and wash your hands often. The more steps you take, the more you are protected against COVID-19.”

Ellen, AKA The Ellen DeGeneres Show, debuted on September 8, 2003, and airs in syndication. Originally broadcast from the Burbank Studios, the show later moved to its current home on the Warner Bros. lot. The show has received over 170 Daytime Emmy Award nominations and early 61 Daytime Emmy awards as of this year. Those wins include four for Outstanding Talk Show and seven for Outstanding Talk Show Entertainment. The show has also won 17 People’s Choice Awards.

Earlier this year, the show taped without a studio audience in light of the coronavirus. For part of this year, DeGeneres broadcast her series from her home. Ellen airs weekdays in syndication. Check local listings for air times.