After several weeks off the air due to the coronavirus pandemic, Saturday Night Live will return with a new episode this week that follows social-distancing rules.
The comedy sketch show will include a Weekend Update news segment and original content from SNL cast members, NBC said Thursday.
All material in the episode will be produced remotely so that cast members will remain safe and the spread of COVID-19 will be limited. SNL’s last original episode that aired in a regular format was on March 7.
There will be no host featured in the new episode and it’s unclear whether a musical guest will perform, according to the Hollywood Reporter. NBC didn’t immediately announce whether anyone other than SNL cast members would be a part of the upcoming episode that airs tomorrow at 11:30 p.m. EDT.
In mid-March, SNL announced that the show would halt production until further notice due to the coronavirus, according to a spokesperson for NBC.
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The show was initially supposed to resume on March 28 with scheduled guests actor John Krasinski and singer Dua Lipa. In a statement, NBC said the variety show needed to be postponed as a “precautionary measure” to “ensure the safety of all employees.”
At the time of postponement, SNL only had six episodes left in its 45th season before breaking prior to the start of Season 46.
Other late-night offerings have switched to an at-home format in recent weeks, including The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Late Night with Seth Meyers, along with talk-shows hosted by Hasan Minhaj, Trevor Noah, Ellen DeGeneres and Jimmy Kimmel.
— With files from Adam Wallis and The Associated Press
Questions about COVID-19? Here are some things you need to know:
Health officials caution against all international travel. Returning travellers are legally obligated to self-isolate for 14 days, beginning March 26, in case they develop symptoms and to prevent spreading the virus to others. Some provinces and territories have also implemented additional recommendations or enforcement measures to ensure those returning to the area self-isolate.
Symptoms can include fever, cough and difficulty breathing — very similar to a cold or flu. Some people can develop a more severe illness. People most at risk of this include older adults and people with severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease. If you develop symptoms, contact public health authorities.
To prevent the virus from spreading, experts recommend frequent handwashing and coughing into your sleeve. They also recommend minimizing contact with others, staying home as much as possible and maintaining a distance of two metres from other people if you go out.
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