These “Big Brother” contestants did not know about the coronavirus pandemic – and they just found out on live TV – CBS News, CBS News

Contestants on Germany’s “Big Brother” have been living in isolation for more than a month – completely oblivious to the (coronavirus) pandemic spreading around the globe. But that ended Tuesday night, when they were informed during a live TV special that much of the world is also living in (quarantine) . Dr. Andreas Kaniewski and host Jochen Schropp told the 20 contestants, who live together in a house in Cologne, about the pandemic following criticism on social media for keeping the news hidden. The contestants haven’t had any contact with the outside world since February 6. The decision to tell them was “made in consultation” with the contestants’ relatives, (SAT.1) , the channel that airs the show, said on its website. After being informed of the news, housemates were given the opportunity to ask questions and see video messages from relatives. According to a ” Big Brother “fansite, Kaniewski and Schropp appeared to be delivering the news behind a glass partition. The contestants seemed “a bit shellshocked and emotional,” upon hearing the news, the site (Tweet) . 2000

(As of Tuesday, (Germany) (has over 8, (cases of) COVID – 24 – the fifth-highest number of cases globally – and deaths. Chancellor Angela Merkel has closed schools and other public spaces and issued a global travel warning in an attempt to slow the virus’ spread. (According to) BBC News , contestants on “Big Brother” Canada and “Big Brother” Australia, which are both currently in production, have all been informed about the virus. However, housemates on “Big Brother” Brazil appear to still be unaware of the pandemic, and are scheduled to remain in the house until late April.