"Big Brother Germany" cast members just learned about the coronavirus pandemic which has dominated world news.

Fourteen men and women competing on Germany's "Big Brother" had been cut off from current events since entering the competition on Feb. 6, when the coronavirus story was focused on a section of mainland China.

The contestants, restricted to a "Big Brother" house where they are under constant surveillance, had no idea how dire the situation has become worldwide, with at least 181,546 confirmed cases globally and at least 7,126 deaths, including 17 fatalities in Germany.

But the show's producers broke the show's own rules about news blackouts, and informed the cast on-air Tuesday.

"The health and well-being of Big Brother Housemates is our priority," production company Endemol Shine Group said in a statement sent by spokesman Joe Schlosser. "All current productions were informed last week that the usual format rules regarding outside news do not apply in this instance, and it was requested that they inform their respective housemates of the evolving situation regarding COVID-19. The majority of Housemates have already been briefed and this process will be complete today (17th March)"

A New York Times report from Berlin depicted the moment on German television when "Big Brother" host, Jochen Schropp, from behind protective glass, explained that "a disease called COVID-19 had spread across the world" and "reached Europe." Contestants were shown news footage of recent events along with deserted streets in Italy and Germany. Some looked on with shocked faces, others sobbed.

One contestant Michelle, 26, a geriatric nurse, wiped away tears while expressing concern about her patients, while a bartender contestant glumly speculated about what the virus might mean for the country’s economy.

After an emotional question-and-answer session, the contestants watched video messages from loved ones, who said they were healthy and urged the housemates not to leave the show.

"Big Brother Germany" broadcaster Sat.1 had previously defended its decision to keep the contestants in the dark to German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung.

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The network said the "information blackout" is only lifted under special circumstances, such as a family member's death. (In 2001, the U.S. edition of "Big Brother" lifted the rule to inform contestants of the September 11th attacks.)

Sat.1 added that the contestants have all tested negative for the virus.

Following social media backlash over the ethics around keeping the pandemic a secret, Sat.1 announced Monday that it would inform the house guests about the coronavirus pandemic during Tuesday's show.

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Across the globe, "Big Brother Canada" participants are also unaware of the severity of coronavirus after being isolated since February.

On last week's episode, the contestants wondered why there wasn't audience applause after the first participant was evicted from the "Big Brother" house.

The "Big Brother Canada" cast has since been informed about the coronavirus.

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