LOS ANGELES — Comedian and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres announced Thursday she has tested positive for COVID-19.
"Hi everyone, I want to let you all know that I tested positive for COVID-19," DeGeneres wrote in a social media post. "Fortunately I'm feeling fine right now. Anyone who has been in close contact with me has been notified, and I am following all proper CDC guidelines.
"I'll see you all again after the holidays. Please stay healthy and safe."
DeGeneres, 62, returned to production of her afternoon talk show in October, following a tumultuous off-season that included allegations of a toxic work environment behind the scenes.
BuzzFeed News, citing unnamed staffers and other sources, reported this week that the show has been struggling in its return, with advertising down and difficulty booking A-list celebrity guests in aftermath of the allegations and the continuing pandemic.
One source close to the show, however, contradicted the suggestion that it was having trouble lining up celebs, saying the show is "fully booked and a lot of those guests are exclusive to Ellen."