Fans of The View likely noticed Whoopi Goldberg was absent from the show on Tuesday morning.
Joined by Meghan McCain, guest co-hosts Sara Haines and Dr. Mehmet Oz, Sunny Hostin explained that Goldberg took time off to check with a doctor about when it’s safe to return amid the coronavirus outbreak.
“Just to be extra careful about her health, Whoopi is consulting with her doctor today,” Hostin said. “She wants everyone to know she feels fine and plans on being back here tomorrow.”
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The show is currently taping without a studio audience as a precaution. Hostin noted that Joy Behar, 77, was absent as well, after deciding last week to self-isolate because her age puts her at greater risk for the virus.
Dr. Oz applauded both Behar and Goldberg for “doing the right thing,” and said he’s been telling some of his older friends to shelter in place during the global pandemic.
“I spent a good part of the last week calling friends of mine — senior citizens you may call them — but mature folk, saying please stay out of Dodge for a little while,” he explained.
Last year Goldberg, 64, was absent for several weeks after contracting pneumonia in both lungs and becoming septic. She told viewers in March 2019, “I came very, very close to leaving the earth.”