The Masked Singer will finish on time despite a shutdown caused by seven COVID-19 cases among its staff.

The Masked Singers studio will now undergo a deep clean.
Gunsberg also hosts 10s Bachelor franchise, including a forthcoming season of The Bachelorette currently shooting in Sydney. Typically, the series films at least several weeks in advance and network sources said the on-air schedule would not be affected. Gunsberg must complete two weeks in isolation and pass medical tests before returning to NSW.
(L-R) Host Osher Gunsberg and judges Urzila Carlson, Jackie O, Dave Hughes and Dannii Minogue on season 2 of The Masked Singer.Credit:Network 10
Hughes also co-anchors the Hit networks national drive show Hughesy & Ed while Jackie O presents Kiis FMs Sydney breakfast show with Kyle Sandilands. Both have been given special equipment to allow them to continue broadcasting while in self-isolation.
The Nine Network’s Millionaire Hot Seat also films in the Docklands precinct. While it does not share a studio with The Masked Singer, the two programs have access to a common area that now requires deep cleaning. A Nine spokesman said producers hope to resume filming on Tuesday or Wednesday. (Nine is the owner of this masthead.)
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said the infections linked to The Masked Singer prove that outbreaks may occur even when COVID-safe work plans are enacted.
Mr Andrews said it was not his personal decision to grant [producers] an exemption to continue filming, and that more outbreaks will likely occur even after the government eases restrictions.
Those outbreaks would need to be kept to a minimum to give health authorities confidence they can be quickly contained, Mr Andrews said.
If [production of the program] werent to continue, then the whole thing would basically fall over and would be lost to Victoria, he said. Its done on a case-by-case basis and its always done with a COVID-safe plan.
Im not pleased to make the point, but it does make the point that this is a widely infectious virus and even if youve got the very best processes in place youll see positive cases.
Victorias Chief Health Officer Professor, Professor Brett Sutton, said television was deemed an essential sector – and The Masked Singer outbreak did not necessarily point to any misbehaviour.
Speaking generally about what may cause workplace outbreaks, Professor Sutton said: People are not necessarily wearing masks if their work doesnt allow them to have them, and might be in closer proximity because of the nature of the work thats one of the issues in meatworks. It can be an issue in other industries.
Network 10s spokeswoman said that all cast and crew are being monitored closely and are in constant contact with medical authorities.
Sources said the production has a comprehensive COVID-19 safety plan and is compliant with all state and federal government requirements. These include daily temperature checks and written health declarations upon arrival and departure from the studio, mandatory face masks disposed of in special bins, strict hygiene protocols, a special safety induction for all staff, and a dedicated COVID-19 manager.
The health and safety of the community, and our staff and production partners is our number one priority, Network 10s spokeswoman said. Network 10 is working closely with the Victorian Government and the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services and providing all crew with all the support and assistance possible.
A spokeswoman from Victorias Department of Health and Human Services said: Late yesterday, the department was notified of seven cases linked to the set of The Masked Singer television show in Docklands. Its believed a member of staff developed symptoms while on set on Friday and was sent to be tested. The staff member did not return to set.”
Early investigations determined that the site should close immediately and all who had been on site since Wednesday should isolate.
The department is liaising with the production company and site management to ensure all appropriate public health actions are taken including cleaning and contact tracing.
correction
An earlier version of this story incorrectly reported six new infections linked to The Masked Singer; in fact, the total number of confirmed cases remains at seven.
Michael Lallo is a senior culture writer at The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald.
Paul is a reporter for The Age.