A day after New York-based talk shows announced they'd be going without live audiences in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus, the West Coast has followed suit.
On Thursday, CBS announced two shows produced on the West Coast, the daytime talk show "The Talk" and the late-night program "The Late Late Show With James Corden," would forego live audiences beginning Monday. "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" will halt audience attendance during tapings effective Monday as well, according to producer Telepictures.
ABC also announced that "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" would suspend its live audience starting Monday.
In their announcements, both networks said the steps were being taken as a precautionary measure to ensure the health of employees and audience members.
The changes come amid a growing health crisis that has roiled the stock markets, upset numerous industries and led to the cancellations of numerous festivals, concerts and sporting events.
On Wednesday, COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus, was officially declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. In a development that hit home for the entertainment industry, actors Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson said they had tested positive for the coronavirus.
CBS News also ordered employees to work from home after two employees in New York City were diagnosed with the virus. New York-based shows including "The View," "Live with Kelly & Ryan" and "Full Frontal with Samantha Bee" began airing audience-free episodes Wednesday. Other shows such as "The Tonight Show" and "The Late Show" will do the same starting Monday.
