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 14 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.