The safest place in Australia: Big Brother housemates throw a ‘quarantine party’ as producers go to extreme measures to prevent a COVID-19 outbreak on set
The Big Brother Australia housemates threw a ‘quarantine party’ on Wednesday, after being informed of the coronavirus pandemic by producers earlier in the week.
Sounds of laughter and cheering echoed from the compound in Sydney’s Manly after 4pm as the contestants celebrated their isolation.
Meanwhile, producers are going to extreme measures to prevent a COVID-19 outbreak on set, which could result in the entire production being cancelled.
The celebration comes as the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Australia skyrockets from 73 to 568 in less than two weeks, with six people dead.
‘Authorised vehicles only’: The Big Brother Australia housemates threw a ‘quarantine party’ on Wednesday, after being informed of the coronavirus pandemic by producers earlier this week
Daily Mail Australia understands that production company Endemol Shine Australia has limited the number of staff working on the show to allow for social distancing.
On Wednesday, all production cabins and the control room were virtually empty, with just a few of security guards roaming around the set.
There are signs throughout urging employees to practice good hygiene.
If one person contracts COVID-19 or displays symptoms, it could lead to the entire production being pulled as a safety precaution.
Ghost town: Sounds of laughter and cheering echoed out of the filming compound at Sydney’s Manly at 4pm, as bosses go to extreme measures to prevent a COVID-19 outbreak on-set, which could result in the entire production being pulled. Pictured: The production cabins
Empty: Daily Mail Australia can reveal that producers at Endemol Shine Australia have now reduced the amount of staff working on the show to ‘only the essential’. Pictured: The BB site
‘If you work in the control room, office or anywhere that requires close proximity to colleagues, please wash your hands before and after entering,’ one sign reads.
‘Avoid close contact with colleagues and maintain distance where possible.’
Another note reads: ‘Wash your hands often and thoroughly – soap and water is best – before and after food, toilet use, traveling from one location to another.’
There is a designated first aid station set up just meters from the house.
A large sign outside the control room states: ‘CONTROL ROOM CREW ONLY’.
‘Please wash your hands before and after entering’: There are signs around the site urging staff members to practice good hygiene, and ‘maintain distance where possible’
Pandemic: There have been 568 cases of coronavirus identified in Australia – but more are expected in coming days and weeks
Speaking to News.com.au on Monday, producers at Endemol Shine confirmed the housemates have now been informed of the virus.
‘Housemates have been brought across the current situation,’ a spokesperson said, adding they are in ‘constant contact’ with families.
Endemol explained they are taking the health precautions of the cast ‘extremely seriously’, and are working within health guidelines.
‘We are working in line with current guidelines and production on Big Brother is continuing.’
Big Brother Australia began filming in Manly last month and is being pre-recorded.
The show will air on Seven ‘very soon’ with Sonia Kurger as host.
Safety: There is a designated ‘first aid station’ set up just meters from the house (pictured left)
Speaking about the show on Thursday’s Sunrise, Sonia said the housemates are being regularly updated about COVID-19 and how their family are doing.
Sonia said: ‘We advised the housemates last Friday. Our executive producer went into the house and spoke to them through the diary room – but it wasn’t filmed.
‘She didn’t enter the house, she spoke to them through the diary room and answered all of their questions. They were shocked, as most people would be learning of this worldwide pandemic.
‘We have a wellness manager who is in contact with their friends and family daily. [Housemates] are in a very safe place. All their needs are being taken care of.’
‘We have a wellness manager’: Speaking about the show on Thursday’s Sunrise, host Sonia Kruger (pictured) said the housemates are being regularly updated about COVID-19