NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell Tests Positive For COVID-19

Jeff Shell, NBCUniversal’s recently appointed CEO, has tested positive for coronavirus, Variety has confirmed.

In a memo to staff, Shell told employees that he will self-quarantine and work from home indefinitely while he recovers.

Jeff Shell

“I recently have been feeling under the weather and just learned that I have tested positive for Covid-19,” Shell wrote. “Although the virus has been tough to cope with, I have managed to work remotely in LA and am improving every day.”

Starting last week, NBCUniversal employees had already been directed to work from home in an effort to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

“Many of you, like me, are working from home while trying to balance family commitments and other challenges, and I know this isn’t easy,” Shell said. “But for those of you who can do your jobs from home, it is absolutely critical that you do so.”

NBCUniversal’s entire business has been grappling with coronavirus. Most film and TV operations have been suspended, theme parks are temporarily shuttered, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics have been postponed and late-night shows are attempting to operate remotely.

Larry Edgeworth, a longtime NBC News employee who worked as a technician at the company’s 30 Rock headquarters, died last week after testing positive for coronavirus. He was one of the first casualties from the disease among the media industry.

“Unfortunately, one of our colleagues was not able to recover from the virus. Last week we learned Larry Edgeworth, a beloved audio technician at NBC News, passed away, and our hearts go out to his family, friends and co-workers,” Shell said.