Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! will begin taping without the presence of studio audiences to combat the spread of novel coronavirus COVID-19.
CNN reports that the long-running game shows made the decision, citing "an abundance of caution." It's unknown when the studio audiences will be allowed to return.
Wheel of Fortune host Pat Sajak, 73, had emergency surgery this past fall for an intestinal blockage, while Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek, 79, is currently battling pancreatic cancer.
The U.S. Center for Disease Control has encouraged people with chronic medical conditions to avoid any unnecessary crowds or travel. It also notes that older adults are at a higher risk of getting very sick from the virus.
Everyone is encouraged to take preventative measures such as washing your hands frequently, not touching your face and avoiding contact with surfaces in public spaces.
The studio tapings are the latest events to cancel large-scale crowd gatherings due to COVID-19 fears, following the cancellation of SXSW and postponement of movie premieres, concerts and festivals.
CNN reports that the long-running game shows made the decision, citing "an abundance of caution." It's unknown when the studio audiences will be allowed to return.
Wheel of Fortune host Pat Sajak, 73, had emergency surgery this past fall for an intestinal blockage, while Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek, 79, is currently battling pancreatic cancer.
The U.S. Center for Disease Control has encouraged people with chronic medical conditions to avoid any unnecessary crowds or travel. It also notes that older adults are at a higher risk of getting very sick from the virus.
Everyone is encouraged to take preventative measures such as washing your hands frequently, not touching your face and avoiding contact with surfaces in public spaces.
The studio tapings are the latest events to cancel large-scale crowd gatherings due to COVID-19 fears, following the cancellation of SXSW and postponement of movie premieres, concerts and festivals.
