These 'Today' Stars Are Staying Home From Work As The Coronavirus Spreads

The coronavirus has made its way to the third hour of “Today.”

On Monday morning, Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb informed viewers that hosts Al Roker and Melvin Craig would be taking the day off as a precautionary measure.

“Last night we learned that a colleague of ours on the third hour of ‘Today’ has tested positive for COVID-19,” Guthrie said. “So out of an abundance of caution, Craig and Al have taken the morning off, so we can trace their contacts, see what is going on with them, we promise to keep you posted, both are fine right now. They feel good, but caution is the order of the day.”

Guthrie and Kotb were also sitting a few feet apart from one another as they delivered the news.

“We're just trying to play exactly by the rules,” Kotb added. “We hope and wish that they come back soon.”

Melvin tweeted on Monday confirming his good health.

"Feeling great this a.m.," he wrote. "Thinking about our friend and colleague. Thinking about everyone grappling with this right now. I’ll be fine. So will we."

As Page Six reports, Noah Oppenheim, the NBC News president, sent a letter to the talk shows staff in regards to the issue. To prioritize wellness, all members of the 9 a.m. team were asked to stay home as the company tries to trace who was in contact with who.

“As you know, we have been preparing for this possibility and are taking all necessary steps to ensure the health and safety of our teams, which includes multiple deep cleanings of our offices, control room, and Studio 1A,” the statement read. “Additionally, we are identifying employees who had been in close proximity to the affected employee and — while not required to do so by the NY Health Department — are in the process of asking those who had close contact to self-isolate…This is in addition to our ongoing plan to have Tri-state area employees work remotely or stagger work hours, when possible.”

The announcement comes after the company suspended live audiences and closed the Rockefeller Plaza to its fans as of March 12.