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'Big Brother': Julie Chen goes mask-free in exit chat, irked fans wonder if she cares about housemates' health

'"Anyone else think it's stupid the contestants that have basically been quarantined are the ones to wear a mask?!?! Shouldn't Julie wear one to protect them?' a fan asked

According to the norm, every evicted housemate gets to chat with host Julie Chen Moonves once they are out of the 'Big Brother' bubble. However, the interactions are not as friendly as it used to be before. Contestants are made to wear masks and seated at a distance from Julie. But ever since the first elimination, fans have questioned CBS for allowing Julie to go mask-free.

It bothers them that Julie gets to host like the pandemic is over when she should be invested in protecting the houseguests' health by wearing a mask.  

"Anyone else think it’s stupid the contestants that have basically been quarantined are the ones to wear a mask?!?! Shouldn’t Julie wear one to protect them? This makes me mad every time she says to put on a mask," a fan commented on the show's official Facebook page while another posted: "I was wondering the same thing. If anyone should wear one, it would be Julie.....so it's like don't put me at risk but I can put you at risk."  

"So, why still, does the evicted houseguest have to wear a mask when they leave the bubble after 2 months but Julie, who is out in the real world does not have to?" a user questioned. "I was wondering the same thing. The only person that is "protected" as the cdc says is julie. Christmas is not protected," a fan pointed out.

"Why is Christmas the one wearing a mask when she certainly doesn’t have Covid-19, while Julie potentially does? Does CBS not care about the houseguests’ health?" a viewer asked. 

Interestingly, the contestants were tested for Covid-19 every few days and were quarantining by themselves in the houses that were rented for them by the production unit. Fans will be relieved to know that Julie promised she would be testing frequently to ensure safety on set.

Talking to Entertainment Tonight about the guidelines, she said: "I’m doing testing. I’m doing testing again and then I’m going to do more testing." In her chat with the publication, she even pointed out that she'll be "farther than ever" from the evicted housemates and that they'll be no hugs or handshake this time. 

Catch the special 'Big Brother' episode on Friday, October 23, and the finale week from Monday through Thursday at 8/7c on CBS. For more information, check your local listings.