Sunrise host Sam Armytage is ‘worried she’ll get coronavirus’

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Sunrise host Sam Armytage is ‘worried she’ll get coronavirus and is ‘taking a few weeks off work’ as she recovers from a respiratory infection

By Jessamy Tredinnick and Demeter Stamell For Daily Mail Australia

Published: | Updated:

Sam Armytage isn’t taking any chances when it comes to coronavirus.

The 43-year-old Sunrise host is ‘taking a few weeks off’ work just to be safe as she recovers from a respiratory infection.

While she hasn’t been diagnosed with COVID-19, she doesn’t want to put herself or others at risk by leaving the house. 

Precautions: Sunrise host Sam Armytage is worried she’ll get coronavirus and so is taking a few weeks off work as she recovers from a respiratory infection 

‘Hi all… I’m taking a few weeks off work as I’ve had a respiratory infection (for three months) since the bushfires and it just won’t heal,’ she told her Instagram followers.

‘I don’t have coronavirus, but I’m worried I’ll get it if I don’t get better. Thought it was a good time to lie low.’

She then urged her fans to ‘be careful’ and ‘take care of each other’ during the COVID-19 pandemic.

'Thought it was a good time to lie low': While Sam hasn't been diagnosed with COVID-19, she doesn't want to put herself or others at risk by leaving the house

‘Thought it was a good time to lie low’: While Sam hasn’t been diagnosed with COVID-19, she doesn’t want to put herself or others at risk by leaving the house

Earlier this month, Samantha took time off because of an unspecified illness. It’s unclear if this was related to her respiratory infection.

Newsreader Natalie Barr will most likely step in during Sam’s absence.

Australia has more than 300 confirmed cases of coronavirus, including five deaths, as of Monday afternoon.

'At home sick as a dog': Earlier this month, Samantha took time off because of an unspecified illness. It's unclear if this was related to her respiratory infection

‘At home sick as a dog’: Earlier this month, Samantha took time off because of an unspecified illness. It’s unclear if this was related to her respiratory infection

Coronavirus was first identified in Wuhan, China, in December and has since spread to more than 150,000 people worldwide, and killed at least 5,500 people.

It was recognised as a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in chaotic scenes at supermarkets, as panic buyers strip the shelves of essential items such as rice, pasta and toilet paper. 

Replacement: Newsreader Natalie Barr (left) will most likely step in during Sam's absence. Pictured with co-anchor David Koch (centre right) and sports presenter Mark Beretta (right)

Replacement: Newsreader Natalie Barr (left) will most likely step in during Sam’s absence. Pictured with co-anchor David Koch (centre right) and sports presenter Mark Beretta (right)