COVID-19 Cases Emerge Following ‘Saturday Night Live’ 50th Anniversary Special
“Health experts are facing increased pressure this winter in the face of outbreaks of COVID, the flu, RSV, and nanovirus, which they’re calling a quad-demic. So, we did the smart thing and packed every beloved entertainer over 60 into one tiny space,” joked Weekend Update Host, Colin Jost.
The ‘Saturday Night Live’ (SNL) 50th Anniversary Special, held on February 16, 2025, has now been identified as a possible COVID-19 spreader event, with several prominent attendees testing positive for the virus in its aftermath. Maybe the joke hit a bit close to home!
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Confirmed Cases Among Attendees
Notably, comedian Martin Short contracted COVID-19 following the event. His frequent collaborator, Steve Martin, announced the diagnosis on social media, humorously referring to an “SNL 50th COVID curse.” Martin shared a photograph of Short sharing a friendly kiss with fellow SNL alum Maya Rudolph during the special, suggesting a possible transmission link. Rudolph also tested positive for COVID-19 post-event. As a result of Short’s illness, the duo postponed their upcoming tour dates in Durham, North Carolina, and Knoxville, Tennessee, rescheduling them for October 17 and 18, respectively. ew.com
Event Conditions and Health Implications
The anniversary special was a star-studded affair, bringing together numerous celebrities and former cast members. Observations indicate that many attendees were unmasked, and social distancing measures were not strictly enforced, creating an environment conducive to viral transmission. During the event, cast member Colin Jost humorously remarked on the potential health risks of assembling numerous entertainers over the age of 60 in close quarters, referring to the situation as a “quad-demic” due to the concurrent spread of COVID-19, influenza, RSV, and norovirus. vulture.com
Recommendations for Attendees and Contacts
Given the confirmed cases, it is advisable for all attendees and individuals who had close contact with them to monitor for COVID-19 symptoms. Utilizing rapid COVID-19 testing is recommended to identify potential infections promptly. For convenient at-home testing, consider obtaining rapid home tests.
The SNL 50th Anniversary Special underscores the ongoing risks associated with large gatherings, particularly when preventive measures are not adequately observed. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and adherence to public health guidelines to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.