Here's Why Savannah Guthrie Walked Out During Today Show: Covid

Savannah Guthrie and Sheinelle Jones

There was a morning scramble Tuesday on NBC’s Today show. The morning program had to move fast in replacing one of its co-hosts while on the air after it was discovered that Savannah Guthrie tested positive for Covid-19.

TV Newser reports Guthrie was forced to abruptly vacate her anchor chair this morning, leaving Sheinelle Jones with the task of handling her flagship morning news show duties.

Guthrie’s co-anchor Hoda Kotb has already been off the program for seven days, her absence remains unexplained.

Jones explained Guthrie’s absence, which happened during the first half-hour of the 7 a.m. block, by saying that she had to “leave a little early this morning.”

Jones later on, at the end of the 8 a.m. broadcast, revealed the true reason for Guthrie’s disappearance, saying, “It’s been an interesting morning for us. As we said, Savannah left early. She wasn’t feeling great, she took a Covid test, and it came back positive.”

This is Guthrie third bout with Covid.  The others in January and May 2022.

Jones, who was joined on set by Al Roker and Carson Daly when delivering this message, added, “So as soon as we found out, she rushed home to rest up. So Savannah, we love you, wishing you a speedy recovery.”