Michael Strahan has tested positive for coronavirus.
On Thursday's Good Morning America, Strahan's co-hosts, Robin Roberts, George Stephanopoulos and Amy Robach addressed his absence at the top of the show, explaining that their co-host had been diagnosed with the virus but is doing "well."
"We know that you have noticed that Michael has not been here with us this week. He wanted us to let you know that he has tested positive for COVID and is at home, quarantining right now," Roberts said.
"So many of you have reached out to him and asked about him and he says, 'Thank you,' for the concern and well wishes. He's also feeling well and looking forward to being back here shortly," Stephanopoulos began before adding, "You should know that all of us here — both in front of the camera and behind the scenes — have been cleared by Disney to be here after contact tracing and following CDC guidelines."
Robach then joked that she talked Strahan on Wendesday and said she'd like for him to "hurry back" so she can "set her alarm clock back an hour."
"Michael we wish you the very best," she added.
According to TMZ, which first reported the news of his diagnosis on Wednesday, Strahan appeared remotely on Fox NFL Sunday for the NFC Championship game as a precaution.
His diagnosis comes as the coronavirus vaccine is widely being distributed across the United States. While vaccine eligibility varies widely by state, most began by inoculating health care workers and nursing home residents, and are now prioritizing elderly adults and frontline workers.
Last week, former CBS Evening News anchor Dan Rather received the COVID-19 vaccine, tweeting a photo of himself sitting next to the nurse who administered the shot.
"I got the vaccine today. Thank you science. Thank you to all who have been working on the front lines," wrote Rather, 89.
The event brought back a flood of emotions for the legendary journalist, who recalled when the polio vaccination was rolled out.
"I still remember the godsend of the polio shot, a flashback of emotion sweeps through me again," Rather said of the highly contagious disease, which was eventually eradicated after Dr. Jonas Salk developed a vaccine in 1955. (By 1962, the average number of polio cases dropped significantly and the United States has been polio-free since 1979, according to the CDC.)
That same day, the Today show's Al Roker also received his first dose of the coronavirus vaccine.
Roker and Rather joined a growing list of celebrities over the age of 65 who have gotten the vaccine, including Steve Martin, Judi Dench, Martha Stewart, Mandy Patinkin and Samuel L. Jackson.
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