With the coronavirus pandemic wreaking havoc worldwide, and with millions at home fearing the unknown, ABC announced today plans to air daytime coverage of COVID-19 produced by ABC News Live beginning Wednesday, March 18. Anchored by Amy Robach, “Pandemic: What You Need to Know” will temporarily replace “GMA3: Strahan, Sara & Keke” during the 1:00 p.m. EDT/12:00 p.m. CDT time period.
With so many new questions and growing concerns about the coronavirus outbreak, the network will provide the latest health and safety guidance from ABC News’ chief medical correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton, and will address widespread issues caused by the global pandemic and offer solutions from those adjusting to a new way of life.
According to ABC, the special daily program will feature live guests and information to help families navigate homeschooling, how to talk to their kids at home about the crisis, tips to help viewers take care of their mental health, conversations with service-based workers and corporate CEOs, good deed stories in communities and of neighbors helping each other, and debunk myths and misinformation spreading online.
In addition to its daily broadcast on the network, “Pandemic: What You Need to Know” will also be made available at 4:00 p.m. EDT on ABC News Live, the network’s streaming news network.
“GMA3” was previously scheduled to air all-new episodes for the remainder of the week with such guests as “This is Us” star Justin Hartley (“The Young and the Restless,” “Passions”) and “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” stars Margaret Josephs, Dolores Catania and Jackie Goldschneider set to appear, among others.
“General Hospital,” which follows “GMA3” in most markets, will not be impacted and will air as scheduled. The network announced that it had suspended production on the series beginning Monday, March 16 through at least Friday, April 10 due to the coronavirus pandemic.