“Today” hosts Al Roker and Craig Melvin will continue to steer clear of 30 Rockefeller Plaza after a colleague was diagnosed with coronavirus.
The show favorites were absent from the NBC show on Monday after it was announced that a male staffer on the third hour of “Today” had contracted the virus.
NBC sources said the pair are staying away over an abundance of caution and are being watched carefully for symptoms.
However, Roker looked cheery as he took to Instagram to announce he would be broadcasting live from his kitchen on Tuesday after NBC technicians hooked up his home.
Sources have told The Post that anchors Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb will be on air as usual between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., as they practice social distancing.
The duo will also anchor live news updates at the top of the third hour of “Today,” while the rest of the 9 a.m. hour will air previously taped segments.
Meanwhile, “Today with Hoda & Jenna” will also air previously taped shows. Jenna Bush Hager is believed to already have booked time away for spring break.
We’re also told that the number of “Today” staff working from the office, studio and control room has been “significantly reduced to critical personnel”.
Speaking on Instagram late on Monday, Roker told fans: “Hey everybody, I hope everybody’s staying safe.
“I hate to use ‘social distancing,’ I think ‘physical distancing.’ Socially, we want to connect more than ever, to that end I will see you tomorrow morning on the Today show, we will be coming to you live from my kitchen!”
He said that everyone was “fine in the Roker household,” adding: “Our thoughts and prayers are with all the first responders, all the health care professionals who are putting it on the line and taking care of folks who have the coronavirus and, of course, to those affected personally we say our thoughts and prayers are with you as well. We will see you tomorrow morning on ‘Today.’”
Melvin added that he was “feeling great,” saying: “Thinking about our friend and colleague. Thinking about everyone grappling with this right now. I’ll be fine. So will we.”
[via Page Six]
