These are tough times for “Dancing with the Stars,” as participant Cody Rigsby tested positive to COVID-19, days after his partner Cheryl Burke contracted the virus.
Rigsby and professional dancer Burke performed last week before the incident. Then, unfortunately, his teammate announced her positive test results and symptoms, which were becoming “progressively worse.”
Rigsby Opens Up About COVID-19 Diagnosis
The 34-year-old took to Instagram, on September 30, with confirmation of his infection.
The “DWTS” contestant said that although he is fully vaccinated and followed safety protocols, this would be his second time testing positive for the virus.
The Peloton instructor revealed he had “mild symptoms,” “congestion,” some “headache,” and “cough,” but, compared to when he first contracted the virus earlier this year, his symptoms are “night and day.”
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He credited the lack of serious symptoms to “the vaccine and antibodies working” and expressed he was thankful for that.
Rigsby said that the ABC dance program was still running but asked for patience regarding when he would resume participation, adding, “we’re still trying to figure that out right now.”
In the post’s caption, the fitness expert mentioned that he would be taking a break for some days to rest and avoid exposing others. Then, he concluded, thanking his fans for their support and promising a return once he’s ready.
The post was met with lots of good wishes from fans and friends of the contestant.
His Partner’s Diagnosis
Last Weekend, on September 26, Burke broke the news of her diagnosis on Instagram, explaining she was going into a minimum of 10-day isolation while the show’s 30th season aired.
Despite Burke’s COVID-19 status, which she found out a day before shooting her “DWTS” dance number, she and Rigsby made it into the second episode of the competition.
“DWTS” host Tyra Banks spoke on how the 37-year-old and her 34-year-old co-star were not present on the show, explaining that they were not “out of the competition” just yet.
While absent from the show, the judges rated her and her partner’s proposed performance based on a prerecorded rehearsal video.
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The clip received mixed reviews from the show’s judges. An unimpressed Carrie Ann Inaba called the dance routine “lackluster,” but Derek Hough opposed saying the performance was “really, really good.”
Out of a total score of 40, the prerecorded video earned the stars 24. This secured their position in the competition while contestants Martin Kove and dance partner Britt Stewart were evicted that week.
The professional dancer virtually communicated to the public that she felt okay and grateful that she received the vaccine because “it could have been way worse” without it.
The TV personality went on to express her pride for Rigsby, who “worked so hard this week” and her hope “to be back soon in the ballroom.”
Another ‘DWTS’ Incident
This is not the first health incident that has plagued the famed dancing competition reality series this season. The Blast previously reported that, on the premiere night, Jojo Siwa’s dance partner Jenna Johnson sustained an injury.
Although the duo broke the record as the first same-sex partner in the history of “DWTS,” their debut night faced a hitched when Johnson injured her knee.
The star expressed that she did not fit into her co-partners dress, and in the process of “trying to squeeze and not fall,” her knee was dislocated.
As a result, she had to take a day off from rehearsals on Tuesday, September 21. Johnson explained that she took the break to ice her knee and got some rest, in addition to some therapy, before returning for Week 2.
