A German shepherd named Diesel vom Burgimwald who plays Rex in the TV series "Hudson & Rex" is seen in this undated handout photo. The canine-cop TV series "Hudson & Rex" has been hit by COVID-19. Show producer Paul Pope says an individual involved in the Newfoundland-shot production has tested positive for the disease. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO, Jessie Brinkman Evans *MANDATORY CREDIT*
Republished August 07, 2020 - 4:21 PM
Original Publication Date August 07, 2020 - 2:26 PM
ST. JOHN'S, N.L. - The canine-cop TV series "Hudson & Rex" has been hit by COVID-19, forcing it to shut down production for at least a day.
Show producer Paul Pope said Friday a woman involved in the Newfoundland-shot series had tested positive for the disease and was isolating.
She's described as someone "tangential to the crew" who did not work on set but had contact with two other people — a transport van driver and one member of the cast.
Pope said the two others have been tested and are isolating.
"Because production won't receive their test results until Sunday evening, 'Hudson & Rex' will not be shooting on Sunday," Pope said by email.
"We want to ensure the safety of our cast and crew and leave nothing to chance. Sunday will be a paid day for all weekly crew."
Pope said the woman, who is not a local resident, arrived Thursday in St. John's by plane from Toronto.
She was tested that day by the show's nurse in accordance with the production's COVID-19 protocols and "went directly" to her accommodations to await Friday's results.
This marks the province's first new case of COVID-19 in nearly two weeks, bringing the total to 267.
Provincial authorities described her as between the age of 20 and 39 and said she was asymptomatic during her trip.
The Department of Health and Community Services is asking anyone who travelled on Air Canada Flight 690 from Toronto to St. John's on Thursday to monitor for symptoms of COVID-19.
On July 13, "Hudson & Rex" became one of the first Canadian TV productions to resume filming amid the pandemic.
The Citytv series centres on detective Charlie Hudson, played by John Reardon, and his German shepherd partner Diesel vom Burgimwald.
Pope wouldn't say how production might be affected if the two people who came in contact with the confirmed case also tested positive.
Filming normally takes place Sunday to Thursday in various parts of St. John's.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 7, 2020.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2020