Melissa Gilbert and Timothy Busfield, known for their roles in Little House on the Prairie and thirtysomething respectively, had their first COVID-19 scare while Busfield was working on a new show, according to Gilbert’s memoir, Back to the Prairie.
Busfield had been cast in the show For Life before the pandemic, which was one of the first to resume production amid the virus. Gilbert shared in her memoir the extensive safety protocols in place, including testing, temperature checks, and set sterilization.
Despite the precautions, a few people tested positive for COVID-19, leading the production to shut down temporarily. Gilbert and Busfield anxiously awaited a contact tracing call to determine if Busfield had been exposed. Fortunately, all the initial positive tests turned out to be false positives, but the set remained closed.
A few days later, Busfield received the contact tracing call informing him that he had come into contact with someone who had tested positive. This news heightened their worries, and every sniffle or sneeze made them fear they had contracted the virus.
During this time, Busfield also developed stomach upset, a symptom associated with COVID-19 at the time. Worried about a positive result, the couple discussed the possibility of Busfield staying away from Gilbert in their apartment. However, the test results came back negative, relieving their anxieties.
While their scare turned out to be a false alarm, it made them more empathetic towards those dealing with the virus on a daily basis. Gilbert expressed her sorrow for those directly affected by the pandemic.
The couple’s experience sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals in the entertainment industry during the pandemic. The extensive safety protocols and constant testing aimed to ensure the well-being of everyone involved in the production. Despite the precautions, the fear of exposure and the possibility of contracting the virus weighed heavily on Gilbert and Busfield.
The memoir highlights the emotional toll that COVID-19 can take on individuals, even when the scare turns out to be negative. It serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining safety measures and empathy for those directly impacted by the virus.
Overall, Gilbert and Busfield’s story presents a personal account of navigating the uncertainties and fears surrounding COVID-19, while also shedding light on the broader challenges faced by the entertainment industry during the pandemic.
