ABS-CBN announced that they will temporarily not be allowing live studio audiences on their shows to protect staff as well as the incoming audiences from the coronavirus (COVID-19) which has 49 confirmed coronavirus cases in Quezon Province, San Juan, Marikina, Quezon City, and Pangasinan. Two of them have died – a Chinese tourist on February 1, and a Filipina just on Wednesday.
In the network’s official statement, aside from It’s Showtime several shows will also stop accepting live audiences from March 10, 2020, onwards:
- ASAP Natin ‘To
- Magandang Buhay
- Banana Sundae
- I Can See Your Voice
- iWANT ASAP
Here’s the official statement of ABS-CBN:
ABS-CBN has decided to temporarily stop admitting studio audience to its shows starting today (10 March 2020), following the government’s declaration of a state of public health emergency. The affected TV programs include “It’s Showtime,” “ASAP Natin ‘To,” “Magandang Buhay,” “Banana Sundae,” “I Can See Your Voice,” and “iWANT ASAP.”
The safety and well-being of our studio audience, artists, crew and production teams are of utmost importance to us and we are taking this option for their protection. We feel that it is our shared responsibility to help in preventing the spread of the COVID-19.
Thank you Kapamilya for the support, understanding, and patronage of our shows.
No live audiences for GMA Network, too.
Meanwhile, Eat Bulaga also announced that they won’t be accepting live audiences for the same reason as ABS-CBN, to stop the spread of the virus and prioritize the health and safety of the talents, staff, crew and members of its audience.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9f7ILRHyt-/?utm_source=ig_embed
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases has climbed up to 49 confirmed coronavirus cases which led the GMA Network to suspend live audience for its several shows such as the following:
- All-Out Sundays
- Wowowin
- Wowowin Primetime
- Idol sa Kusina
- The Boobay and Tekla Show
- Sarap ‘Di Ba?
- Tonight with Arnold Clavio
- Centerstage
- Mars Pa More
GMA Network’s Statement
“In view of the declaration of the state of public health emergency and other recent developments related to the COVID-19 outbreak, GMA Network is temporarily suspending the admission of live studio audiences in all of our programs such as All-Out Sundays, Centerstage, Mars Pa More, Wowowin, Wowowin primetime, Idol sa Kusina, The Boobay and Tekla Show, Sarap ‘Di Ba?, and Tonight with Arnold Clavio.
Furthermore, all of the Network’s external activities and events in Metro Manila are also put on hold until further notice.
These measures are being undertaken to help ensure the safety and well-being of all concerned as part of GMA’s cooperation with the government in its efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19. We strongly urge everyone to remain calm and cautious and to follow the official advisories released by authorities.
Mag-ingat po tayong lahat, mga Kapuso!
