"Days of Our Lives" star Lauren Koslow (Kate) gave an Instagram shoutout to fans: "We are back on set and taping." The show had to shut down when a staffer tested positive for COVID-19. In the next two weeks, viewers will see Salem taken hostage by Dr. Rolf, Clyde and Orpheus, who broke out of jail. Chad, Ben and Marlena will be handling life-and-death situations. All other storylines will be put on hold. In two weeks, Sarah, Zander, Tripp, Allie, John will be back on the front burner.

Yes, they are following all the COVI-19 mandates including social distancing.

Peter Bergman gave Michael Fairman his take on social distancing. "It was not hard to do at first." Dina's death changed that. When a loved one is dying, we want to caress, stroke a forehead, kiss a cheek. None of that was possible. It was also decided that in this time of many virus-related deaths, they did not want to show a body. They sent Dina out into a white light.

CBS wants to deal in daytime and prime time — "Let's Make a Deal" that is. The show is back in its Van Nuys studio giving away cars, cash and zonks. Zonks mean you are a loser. You get a prize, but often it is a washboard being played by a pig. Things will be different on the show. Because, you got it, the coronavirus struck. New shows were halted. In order to bring it back, the 128-person audience has been dismantled. Instead, there's an audience of 12 and a virtual audience of 20. All members of the in-studio audience will play as will as some contestants from the virtual wall.

Accommodations for the studio audience have been made. They will adhere to COVID-19 protocols. In addition, players will have their own pods. Host Wayne Brady and his announcer, John Mangum, will be socially distanced. There will be three prime-time airings. The first two are Oct. 28 and Dec. 21. Each will have a holiday theme.

To find out more about Lynda Hirsch and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

Photo credit: onkelglocke at Pixabay