Coronavirus: 'Game of Thrones' star Kristofer Hivju tests positive, Netflix shuts 'The Witcher' production
Actor Kristofer Hivju took to Instagram to announce he has tested positive for coronavirus. Soon after this, Netflix announced that they will conduct a deep clean of 'The Witcher' set and advised its staff to quarantine themselves. The streaming giant had previously halted production on 'The Witcher' Season 2, even before Hivju's case came to light.
Netflix sent out an email notifying staff about the steps being taken to contain and eradicate the virus at the set at Arborfield Studios, which is west of London, Deadline reports.
"We paused production prior to becoming aware of this, but as a further precaution we will be closing production offices and Arborfield immediately and arranging for deep cleaning and disinfection," Netflix reportedly said in an email.
The email added: "We are in the process of contacting those who were in close contact with the relevant individual. However, due to the nature of this production, it is recommended that crew and cast self-quarantine for 14 days, monitor their temperature, and seek medical advice if they experience any symptoms."
The memo also states, "We also want to remind everyone of your access to our Modern Health program, which can be a helpful resource for those who may need assistance during this uncertain time. Through Modern Health, each of you can access up to 3 individual counseling sessions per calendar year covered by Netflix."
Netflix did not reveal who had tested positive for the virus but Hivju voluntarily came out with that information himself. In a message to his 3.7 million Instagram followers, Hivju revealed that he is currently in Norway with his family after getting the COVID-19 diagnosis.
"Sorry to say that I, today, have tested positive for COVID19, Coronavirus," he wrote.
He added, "My family and I are self-isolating at home for as long as it takes. We are in good health — I only have mild symptoms of a cold. There are people at higher risk for who this virus might be a devastating diagnosis, so I urge all of you to be extremely careful; wash your hands, keep 1.5 meters distance from others, go in quarantine; just do everything you can to stop the virus from spreading. Together we can fight this virus and avert a crisis at our hospitals. Please take care of each other, keep your distance, and stay healthy! Please visit your country's Center for Disease Control's website, and follow the regulations for staying safe and protecting not just yourselves, but our entire community, and especially those at risk like the elderly and people with pre-existing conditions."
Hivju joined the cast of 'The Witcher' ahead of Season 2 and is all set to play Nivellen, who is a man cursed to take on the appearance of a monster in the books.