The news of their positive tests — and the unprecedented set up of having the duo dance separately and virtually — has prompted questions about howDWTSis navigating COVID protocols for the season.
In a statement to PEOPLE on Friday, a rep forDWTSlaid out the show’s safety plan, which includes masks, frequent testing and a “pod system” for hair and makeup.
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“We follow CDC guidelines and a comprehensive safety plan that includes social distancing, PPE and KN95 masks,” the rep said. “All of Zone A is required to be fully vaccinated, regular testing of cast and crew and more. On set we have a strict pod system, all couples have their own hair and makeup so the pods are no more than four people.”
Zone A, the rep said, is anyone who’s allowed to have contact with talent when they’re unmasked, such as a stage manager.
“The show’s COVID team is monitoring this situation and the whole production, as the health and safety of our entire cast and crew is top priority,” the statement added.
The show rep also said that if anyone on the show tests positive for the virus, they must quarantine per CDC guidelines.
“Additionally, couples rehearse solo in the studio. There isn’t a crew in the room, only a robotic camera,” the statement said.
As for the pros who are married — Sasha Farber and Emma Slater; Val Chmerkovskiy and Jenna Johnson; Pasha Pashkov and Daniella Karagach — they must live apart for the duration of the season.
Regarding the married couple rule, a source tells PEOPLE that some of the professional dancers feel they are being “more restricted” than their celebrity counterparts.
“The pros who are married and/or dating can’t live together,” the source says. “The pros feel like they’re more restricted than the celebs participating — they’re technically not allowed to see their [romantic] partners except on show day.”
“The reasoning from the show is that if one pair goes down, they don’t want to take down any other pairs — but then they’re all packed together on show days without masks in the same ballroom and mix and mingle,” the source adds, noting that “the celebs are basically doing what they want.”
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source: people.com
