Fox News host Juan Williams tested positive for the coronavirus and is experiencing mild symptoms.
Williams, a liberal co-host of Fox’s The Five, tested positive for the coronavirus on Thursday. He filmed an episode with his colleagues while they maintained social distancing as late as Wednesday.
Williams confirmed his diagnosis in a statement to the Daily Beast.
“I’m not great but I’m not dying or anything. I’m worried about myself and my family. My wife doesn’t want me to come back to the house right now. On lots of levels it’s concerning,” he said. “It’s one of those things that they have wanted that show back together and some anchors are working from home but they wanted us back. I’m just worried about my health and my family at this juncture. You have to guard against vagrant dark thoughts.”
A Fox News spokesperson declined to comment on Williams’s diagnosis, citing employee privacy and confidentiality of health records but provided a statement to the Washington Examiner that said it will broadcast The Five from home studios for the “foreseeable future.”
“Since the start of the pandemic, Fox News Media has implemented strict company-wide protocols adhering to all CDC and state guidelines, including regular testing of all in studio on-air personalities, mask mandates and daily health assessments for all employees entering the building,” the spokesperson told the Washington Examiner. “We will continue to take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of our staff, including broadcasting The Five via home studios for the foreseeable future.”
A person familiar with the matter told the Washington Examiner that Williams left for vacation on Nov. 18 and did not return to the Fox News building until Monday.
Williams is not the only prominent anchor to have been diagnosed with the coronavirus. In March, CNN host Chris Cuomo announced he tested positive for COVID-19. His wife and son subsequently tested positive for the virus. Cuomo faced media scrutiny for reportedly breaking quarantine while ill.
CBS News 60 Minutes anchor Lesley Stahl was also diagnosed with COVID-19 in May, requiring her to be hospitalized for one week.
