This Is How DWTS Is Handling Cheryl Burke's Covid-19 Diagnosis
Sunday night, "Dancing With the Stars" pro Cheryl Burke shared the sad news that she had tested positive for Covid-19, despite being fully vaccinated. That meant the star would not take to the ballroom for Monday night's show, and also put her partner, Peloton instructor Cody Rigsby, in jeopardy.
When she first made the announcement via her Instagram that she would be quarantining for the next 10 days, it was unclear if Rigsby had been exposed to Covid, or if he would appear on the upcoming episode. But we now know how "DWTS" is handling Burke's illness, as it was agenda item number one when host Tyra Banks opened the show (via Fox News).
"She and Cody Rigsby were in close contact," the former model told the audience about Burke. The "America's Next Top Model" alum went on to explain, "Although he's also fully vaccinated, out of an abundance of caution, he's not in the ballroom tonight. However, this does not mean they're out of the competition."
So how can Burke and Rigsby compete if they are not on "DWTS" for the foreseeable future?
Technology helped Cheryl Burke and Cody Rigsby stay on "DWTS"
As USA Today reports, "Dancing With the Stars" viewers watched Burke and Rigsby dance their salsa via their rehearsal footage, which was filmed before the pro tested positive for breakthrough Covid.
When matched up against the other couples' dances, judges Derek Hough and Carrie Ann Inaba then deliberated if the duo could stay in the competition, with the latter saying the judges still "have to hold [the rehearsal] to the standards of everyone else in the ballroom."
In the end, Burke and Rigsby were not voted off, with the dance show alum sharing the routine via her Instagram and commenting, "Thank God for technology and camera phones!" She added, "Thank you for all the well wishes, love and support."
Meanwhile, on his Instagram, Rigsby encouraged his followers to send his partner "love and support" as she recovers from Covid.