“The Talk” co-host Carrie Ann Inaba has tested positive for COVID-19, the show announced Thursday.
“As you can see, Carrie Ann is not here with us today,” co-host Sheryl Underwood said on the air. “She found out this morning that she tested positive for COVID-19. Obviously, our thoughts are with her, we love her, and we’re praying for a full recovery.”
She added that, “out of an abundance of caution,” co-host Sharon Osbourne was shooting from home for the day, “even though she tested negative for the coronavirus.”
Inaba’s other co-hosts added their well wishes. “I send all my love and prayers to Carrie Ann,” Osbourne said, while Eve added, “Obviously, just concerned. I’m just happy that everyone is OK. Carrie Ann is where she needs to be, and sending her so much good energy and so much good love.”
Inaba, 52, posted her own update to social media, writing on Instagram that she was “home with some symptoms and will be sequestering as per the CDC guidelines, resting and taking care of myself.”
“I have been in a very safe environment following all the guidelines and safety protocols and it still found its way to me,” Inaba added. “So, this is a friendly reminder to be extra careful this holiday season. Wear your masks, socially and physically keep your distance, and wash your hands.”
The CBS talk show resumed in-person filming in November, with its hosts now seated in socially-distanced chairs rather than at their previous communal round table. Eve, however, remained with her family in the UK, with the distance factoring into her decision to leave the show, which she announced early in November. The show recently named Amanda Kloots and Elaine Welteroth as new hosts.
Before Kloots and Welteroth nabbed their new gigs, Page Six reported that CBS was panicking over the show’s sinking ratings and comparing it to its chief rival, ABC’s “The View.”