‘Today’ Show Co-Hosts Al Roker, Craig Melvin Off Air After Staffer Diagnosed With Coronavirus

Craig Melvin, Al Roker

‘Today’ Show Co-Hosts Al Roker, Craig Melvin Pulled Off Air After Staffer Diagnosed With Coronavirus

Al Roker (65) and Craig Melvin (40) were absent on Monday (March 16th) morning’s Today show taping. Their absence was a result of  a staffer on the third hour of the talk show testing positive for coronavirus. Co-anchor Savannah Guthrie shared the news on-air, telling viewers:

“Personal note, for this show: Last night we learned that a colleague of ours on the third hour of Today has tested positive for COVID-19, the novel coronavirus. So out of an abundance of caution, Craig and Al have taken the morning off, so we can trace their contacts, see what’s going on with them. We promise to keep you posted. Both are fine right now. They feel good. But caution is the order of the day.”

Hoda Kotb added that

“we’re just trying to play exactly by the rules”.

Al Roker responded to the news tweeting:

Feeling fine. Don’t worry about us. Thinking about our colleagues and all those who are really suffering. And God Bless the health care providers and #FirstResponders helping

#Today show co-hosts #AlRoker and #CraigMelvin off air after a staffer tested positive for #Coronavirus. pic.twitter.com/PV10B6gRqp

— theJasmineBRAND.com (@thejasminebrand) March 16, 2020

On Today’s website, NBC News president Noah Oppenheim said that the staffer, began experiencing “mild symptoms” and was receiving treatment.

“We are fully supporting our colleague, who is experiencing mild symptoms and receiving medical care, and I know you join me in sending our very best for a quick recovery”.

The show is currently being filmed, like other shows, without a live audience.