Julie Chen recently revealed that a few contestants that were slated to be a part of Big Brother: All-Star's new season were asked to leave the show after testing positive for COVID-19. The move is understandable given that coronavirus can easily and spread within a large group of people, who could then end up infecting their families and everyone they come in contact with.

The contestants were given their own homes and tested regularly for two weeks before the season premiere on Aug. 5, the 50-year-old TV personality told CBSN Los Angeles. “We flew in a bunch of people, more than 16,” she said.

The host went on to say that she realized some people were definitely going in the house, adding that they tested positive for coronavirus and were not allowed to go in. Realizing that she needs to expect the unexpected, Chen thought she would eventually find out when she needs to find out.

Furthermore, Chen poked fun at the show isolation, describing it as the original quarantine. She went on to explain that the show did this twenty years ago, noting that they were ahead of our time. Chen pointed out that we are all currently living in quarantine.

It was announced last month that the show's cast list will be kept under wraps until the two-hour live season premiere. The move came as a result of some houseguests were undergoing a quarantine and testing phase of COVID-19 to determine if they were eligible to participate in the hit CBS competition show, TMZ reported.

This year's contestants are from previously aired seasons in honor of the show's 20th anniversary. Chen will not be visiting the Big Brother house this season due to restrictions, and there will be no live audience either. Moreover, all groceries will be disinfected before being delivered to contestants.

Chen said she would be getting tested for COVID-19 several times in an interview with Entertainment Times, telling the outlet she would be nowhere close to the houseguests even when they get evicted. In other words, there won't be hugs, or a Chenbot handshake even if it means going above and beyond to ensure everyone's safety because there is too much on the line, she added.

CBS has already confirmed that the 22nd season will feature some familiar faces. Aside from that, it said the production will follow specific health and safety protocols, giving utmost priority to the welfare of those involved.