Big Brother Germany housemates to be told about coronavirus outbreak on live TV

They know nothing about the worldwide pandemic.

Housemates in Big Brother Germany are set to be told about the coronavirus outbreak live on TV. The contestants, who have been living in the Big Brother house since February, are currently unaware of the scale of the virus. The decision to inform the housemates of the news comes after a series of tweets detailing the contestants' lack of knowledge going viral. Twitter users began complaining that keeping the housemates in the dark about the Covid-19 pandemic would be irresponsible and asked that they been informed as soon as possible. A live special of the reality TV show will air on Tuesday 17 March. Housemates will get the opportunity to receive video messages from loved ones and ask a doctor any questions they might have about the pandemic. German broadcaster Sat.1 had previously stated that they would only tell the housemates about the outbreak when it became absolutely necessary. "Of course, the residents will be informed if there is reason to do so," they told publication Süddeutsche Zeitung. "Which information is given to the residents from outside is also decided in exchange with the relatives." The current series of Big Brother Germany has nine weeks left. Contestants in Big Brother Canada and Big Brother Brazil are also unaware of the outbreak, which has claimed thousands of lives around the world.