COVID-19, the new novel coronavirus, has continued to inspire countless changes in the way that many people live their day-to-day lives. Now, the effect of the ongoing outbreak has also altered the ways in which "Jeopardy!" and "Wheel of Fortune" plan to tape new episodes.

According to TMZ, the popular game shows will be filming without an audience for the foreseeable future.

As stated by production sources, there are three "primary concerns" that have attributed to the decision. First, the crew is reportedly concerned about Alex Trebek's unnecessary exposure to crowds. As the host has been battling stage 4 pancreatic cancer for the past year, his immune system has been compromised from chemotherapy.

READ: Alex Trebek's 'Jeopardy!' Replacement: The Names Reportedly Being Considered For Hosting Duties

It has additionally been revealed that those at the show have also developed new concern about the average age of the audience members, as many are older people. Those involved with the show are also worried that they typically have a lot of people at the tapings that are from out of town.

"Out of an abundance of caution due to the spread of COVID-19, we have decided to cancel audience attendance for the tapings of 'Wheel of Fortune' and 'Jeopardy!' for the time being," a source close to the trivia show revealed to the Washington Post.

Aside from the aforementioned way that the ongoing coronavirus outbreak has entered the realm of pop culture, it has also been affecting other entertainment ventures. Not only has a specific movie caused a jump in illegal file sharing, but Lady Gaga's new single, "Stupid Love," also unexpectedly interrupted a Facebook Live stream about the virus. Additionally, COVID-19 has also reportedly influenced a recent decision made by Queen Elizabeth II.

As reported by Variety, both Sony Pictures Television shows will tape through mid-April on the studio's Culver City lot, but at this time, it remains to be seen when the show will begin allowing audiences to once again watch the show in person.

alex trebek
“Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek is pictured at the Million Dollar Celebrity Invitational Tournament Show Taping on April 17, 2010 in Culver City, California. Getty Images
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