This morning, December 10th, Ellen DeGeneres announced on social media that she has tested positive for COVID-19. In a text post shared to Twitter and Instagram, DeGeneres says that she’s “feeling fine right now,” and plans to make a full recovery and get back to work after the holidays.
“Hi Everyone, I want to let you all know that I tested positive for Covid-19,” the text note reads. “Fortunately, I am feeling fine right now. Anyone who has been in close contact with me has been notified, and I am following all proper CDC guidelines. I’ll see you all again after the holidays. Please stay healthy and safe. Love, Ellen.”
COVID-19 cases have risen drastically since Thanksgiving with The New York Times reporting that the U.S. surpassed a record-breaking 3,000 daily deaths and hospitals nationwide are overcrowded with patients affected by coronavirus.
Today, the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) vaccine advisory panel is meeting today to discuss whether or not Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine should be authorized and given to frontline workers as early as next week.
According to a spokesperson for The Ellen DeGeneres Show, who spoke to Entertainment Weekly, the show will go on a hiatus until at least January to give DeGeneres plenty of time to recover and for staff to take proper quarantining precautions.
“Love you much Ellen!” cohost and Ellen Show producer Twitch commented on DeGeneres’s Instagram post. Sophia Grace, one of DeGeneres’s famous returning guests, wrote, “Get well soon Aunty Ellen.” And Ellie Kemper sent along a string of heart emojis.
Over on Twitter, Dancing with the Stars dancer Allison Holker sent DeGeneres love. Get well soon! she wrote.
Stay home if possible, continue to wear your mask if out in public, and social distance yourself from others because your life truly does depend on it. As DeGeneres’s famous Finding Nemo character Dory would tell us to do, just keep swimming, everyone.
