Covid 19 coronavirus: Bill Maher taping cancelled after host's positive virus test

Bill Maher, who is fully vaccinated, is "asymptomatic and feels fine". Photo / Getty Images

A taping of Bill Maher's weekly HBO show was cancelled after the host tested positive for Covid-19.

Maher, who is fully vaccinated, is "asymptomatic and feels fine," according to a statement from HBO in Thursday local time.

"No other staff or crew members have tested positive at this time," the channel said.

The taping of Friday's episode of "Real Time with Bill Maher" would be rescheduled, HBO said. Guests were to include astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson and podcast host Dan Carlin.

Thanks to all wishing me get well - hard to do since I feel perfectly fine, but I appreciate it! Most upset about ending my streak going back to 1993 of never missing a Politically Incorrect or Real Time episode. Oh well, even Cal Ripken had to sit one out at some point.

— Bill Maher (@billmaher) May 14, 2021

Maher was tested as part of the Los Angeles production's weekly protocol for staff, the channel said, adding that "every precaution" is taken in accordance with the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines regarding the coronavirus.

The comedian and political gadfly moved back to in-studio shows with a limited audience late last summer, after taping episodes at his home in the early months of the pandemic.

TV and filmmaking gradually resumed after last year's pandemic-forced shutdown, but despite strict safety rules there have been other production holds caused by a cast or crew member's positive virus test.

- AP