Game of Thrones actor Kristofer Hivju has disclosed that he tested positive for COVID-19.
Hivju is known for playing the Wildling Tormund Giantsbane in HBO’s Game of Thrones. He also featured in Fate of the Furious alongside Vin Diesel and is primed to appear in the second season of Netflix’s The Witcher.
The actor will play Nivellen, a cursed man in the upcoming second season based on the show’s adaptation of A Grain of Truth from Andrej Sapkowski’s The Last Wish.
Hivju made the revelation of his health status on Instagram where he said that he and his family were in self-isolation at home for as long as it takes.
He stated that he only had mild symptoms of cold and advised the public to be careful, outlining the safety precautions required to steer clear of the dreaded virus.
Production on The Witcher season 2 had already shut down when the news of Hivju’s condition broke. The show will remain shut down for the next two weeks and as of yet, it is not known how this will affect the scheduled premiere date.
According to Deadline, Netflix will also take preventive measures to prevent coronavirus from spreading on the set. A statement in an email released by the streaming platform reads:
“We paused production prior to becoming aware of this, but as a further precaution we will be closing production offices and Arborfield immediately and arranging for deep cleaning and disinfection. We are in the process of contacting those who were in close contact with the relevant individual. However, due to the nature of this production, it is recommended that crew and cast self-quarantine for 14 days, monitor their temperature, and seek medical advice if they experience any symptoms.”
