Nick Cannon Tests Positive to COVID-19, Temporarily Steps Down from The Masked Singer Hosting Duties

Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP/Shutterstock Nick Cannon

Nick Cannon has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, PEOPLE can confirm.

The 40-year-old comedian is currently in quarantine and resting, a representative for the star told Variety, who was first to report the news.

Cannon will be taking a break from his hosting duties on The Masked Singer, according to the outlet.

The star will be temporarily replaced by Niecy Nash in the first few episodes of the Fox singing competition' fifth season, which is set to begin production on Thursday, Variety reports.

A spokesperson for Fox did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.

Nash, 50, previously had appeared on the show's fourth season as a guest judge.

Michael Becker/FOX. Snow Owls and Popcorn on stage with host Nick Cannon.

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The fifth season of The Masked Singer is scheduled to premiere in March, with Nicole Scherzinger, Ken Jeong, Robin Thicke and Jenny McCarthy returning as judges.

Production of the reality series temporarily halted in last year amid the coronavirus outbreak. Filming resumed in August with new health and safety precautions put in place to keep the contestants and crew safe.

According to Deadline, the show has been working closely with local and state officials as well as the Health Department to ensure that production is as safe as possible.

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Extra precautions include social distancing, increased PPE equipment, and taking regular temperatures.

Last season of The Masked Singer also introduced fan voting, allowing viewers at home to vote on their favorite performances.

Currently, singer LeAnn Rimes reigns as the show's most recent champion after beating out runner-ups Nick Carter and Aloe Blacc for the honor in December.

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