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Big Brother contestants in Germany have finally been told about the coronavirus pandemic.
The housemates have been in isolation since 6 February and have been kept in the dark about Covid-19.
The country has reported over 9 200 cases, and 24 deaths reports the dw in Germany.
READ MORE: 'Big Brother Germany' housemates kept in the dark about coronavirus pandemic
On Tuesday the remaining housemates were told about the global pandemic during a live special broadcast.
According to reports on social media, the host Jochen Schropp and the shows doctor Andreas Kaniewsk spoke to the 14 contestants from behind glass, reports E News.
He explained how the virus is transmitted; it's symptoms and risk factors, and also demonstrated how to wash your hands properly. They were also told that if a family member gets sick, they would be informed, and if at any point they wanted to leave the house, they could do so.
They were also able to ask the doctor questions and watched video messages from loved ones, reports the BBC.
Photos of the moment, the news was shared to the housemates were shared on Twitter.
SEE THE TWEETS HERE:
Some pictures from Big Brother Germany's live coronavirus special - a few housemates have shed tears but they're generally keeping their composure. The doctor spoke to them at length and is now taking their questions #BBDE #BigBrother pic.twitter.com/CayT9HgERj
— bbspy (@bbspy) March 17, 2020
Big Brother Germany is now playing housemates video messages from their family and friends addressing the coronavirus, which have lifted the mood a bit #BBDE #BigBrother pic.twitter.com/7EgSiAGkVw
— bbspy (@bbspy) March 17, 2020
Big Brother Germany's live coronavirus special ended with the housemates waving the host and doctor goodbye and making heart symbols with their hands - a few more tears shed but overall the mood seems optimistic #BBDE #BigBrother pic.twitter.com/rdwkTonzDq
— bbspy (@bbspy) March 17, 2020
Producers initially didn't want to share news of the virus with the contestants, but after a social media backlash, they changed their stance.
The Endemol Shine Group who produces Big Brother globally released a statement on Twitter saying that all housemates in current seasons being filmed have been informed.
"The health and wellbeing of Big Brother Housemates is our priority. All current productions were informed last week that the usual format rules regarding outside news do not apply in this instance, and it was requested that they inform their respective housemates of the evolving situation regarding COVID-19.
"The majority of Housemates have already been briefed, and this process will be complete today (17 March)."
SEE THE TWEETS HERE:
Big Brother statement (part 1)
— EndemolShineGroup (@endemolshine) March 17, 2020
The health and wellbeing of Big Brother Housemates is our priority. All current productions were informed last week that the usual format rules regarding outside news do not apply in this instance....
Big Brother statement (part 2)
— EndemolShineGroup (@endemolshine) March 17, 2020
...and it was requested that they inform their respective housemates of the evolving situation regarding COVID-19. The majority of Housemates have already been briefed and this process will be complete today (17th March)
