When Seacrest returned to filming, he addressed the health scare, explaining, “Got the negative test results for COVID. Makes you feel very good.” He also thanked his co-host Kelly Ripa, “Thank you for covering, following the strict protocol.”
Ripa had explained previously that the show has a strict protocol regarding COVID testing. She said to audiences the day before, "We have all of these new restrictions now, so this is one. We have to wait until he comes back negative before he can get in here. It's public health. We take it seriously."
A source close to Seacrest shared that the 45-year-old experienced a “minimal cough,” and “out of precaution wanted to make sure he had a negative test before going back to Live, which he did."
Live With Kelly and Ryan returned last month with new protocols to ensure the health and safety of the hosts and crew, as well as to encourage the viewers at home to make safe choices in their interactions. The show now requires all crew members to wear masks and the hosts to sit six feet apart.