'Game Of Thrones' Prequel 'House Of The Dragon' Halts Production: Here's Why

HBO has halted production on "House of the Dragon," the prequel to "Game of Thrones," after a crew member tested positive for COVID-19.

The filming was going on in the United Kingdom. The positive case was identified in zone A, which includes the cast and crew of the film, Deadline reported. HBO ordered the team to shut down production and isolate the infected member. Those who were in close contact with the COVID-positive crew member will also have to quarantine.

"As part of the rigorous testing implemented for all production employees, a Zone A production member on 'House of the Dragon' tested positive for COVID-19," HBO said in a statement obtained by The Hollywood Reporter. "In compliance with industry guidelines, the production member is in isolation, and close contacts will be required to quarantine."

The shooting will resume Wednesday.

"House of the Dragon" is the latest U.K. production to temporarily shut down due to the pandemic. Previously, the filming of "Bridgeton" Season 2 and Netflix's "Matilda" was also stopped after some members tested positive for the virus.

Starring Paddy Considine, Olivia Cooke, Matt Smith, Emma D'Arcy and Fabien Frankel, "House of the Dragon" is based on George R.R. Martin's "Fire & Blood" series. It also features Rhys Ifans, Steve Toussaint, Eve Best and Sonoya Mizuno. The series is set for a 2022 launch.

"House of the Dragon" is set 300 years before the events of "Game of Thrones" and centers on the story of House Targaryen. It is just one of the six "Game of Thrones" prequels currently in the works.

Meanwhile, the British government is going ahead with its plans for a full reopening Monday despite the rise in COVID-19 cases. On Friday alone, nearly 52,000 people tested positive for the virus and 49 deaths were also reported on the same day.