Coronavirus concerns mean no live audiences for ‘Jeopardy!’ and ‘Wheel of Fortune’

Game shows “Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune” no longer are taping in front of live studio audiences due to coronavirus fears.

The Los Angeles Times reported that getting rid of live audiences was “partly undertaken to better protect” Alex Trebek, the 79-year-old host of “Jeopardy!” who has pancreatic cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy.

“Wheel of Fortune” hosts Pat Sajak and Vanna White are 73 and 63, the outlet reported.

The shows will be taping without audiences “indefinitely,” CNN reported.

“Dr. Phil” and “The Wendy Williams Show” are also forgoing live audiences due to the virus, Deadline reported.

“The health of our audience members, staff and crew are the priority,” show EP Carla Pennington told the outlet. Pennington confirmed that taping without an audience was “indefinite.”

Older adults and those with medical conditions including diabetes, heart disease and lung disease are more at risk for serious effects of the virus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.

The CDC has advised those with higher risk to “take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others” and avoid crowds.

More than 118,000 people have been infected with the COVID-19 virus and more than 4,000 people have died, according to John Hopkins University.

This story was originally published March 10, 2020 at 5:20 PM with the headline "Coronavirus concerns mean no live audiences for ‘Jeopardy!’ and ‘Wheel of Fortune’."