Riverdale Halts Production, Cites Growing Coronavirus Concerns

Production of the hit CW show Riverdale has been suspended amid growing concerns over the novel coronavirus, otherwise referred to as COVID-19. In a statement from a Warner Bros. TV representative shared by Variety yesterday (March 11), a member of the cast or crew has been in contact with someone who tested positive for the virus.


"We have been made aware that a team member from Riverdale, which is produced in Vancouver, was recently in contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19," the spokesperson said. "The team member is now deriving medical evaluation."


"We are working closely with the suitable authorities and health firms in Vancouver to figure out and contact all individuals who may have come into direct contact with our team member," the statement continued. "The health and safety of our staff, casts and crews is usually our top priority."


The spokesperson closed out the statement by saying that Warner Bros. Will continue to put the health and safety of its cast and crew members first. "We have and will continue to take precautions to protect each person who works on our productions around the world," they mentioned. Unfortunately, that indicates halting Riverdale up until further notice. "Out of an abundance of wariness, production on Riverdale is now suspended," the spokesperson added.


Riverdale is not the only series being additional careful among the novel coronavirus outbreak. CBS has also halted production on the second season of Survivor, and a few large events, including Coachella and SXSW, have been postponed or canceled. At the time of publication, there's no word on when Riverdale production will continue.