Howie Mandel is one of the most famous celebrity germophobes in Hollywood, so it comes as no surprise that the America's Got Talent judge fully approves of the network's new health and safety procedures. These protocols were implemented for the filming of the quarter finals of the talent competition.
The former game show host avoids handshakes due to his fear of germs. He has a history of struggling with mental health issues. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) affects many people in America, including AGT's Howie Mandel. One of the most well-known symptoms of the disorder is a fear of germs and getting sick. The combination of fear and the compulsions or actions that an individual does in order to combat that fear, is what makes OCD challenging to deal with, especially during a pandemic.
In an interview with USA Today, Mandel spoke about the protocols put in place to help protect the judges, crew, and talent. AGT is taking the COVID-19 pandemic quite seriously. Showrunners have gone as far as creating particular bathroom assignments for the purposes of contact tracing. The use of masks and temperature checks is a large part of the now-standard set protocol. Also implemented are tests and the use of pod work environments that keep mingling to a minimum. Mandel describes the set as "the safest place in the world, but it feels otherworldly.” See Howie Mandel in protective gear in the video below:
In addition to masks, each crew member or other set worker wears an ensemble consisting of gloves, visor, and helmet. "It’s what I imagine the show would be like if we did it on the moon", Mandel stated. NBC has focused not only on the physical aspects of the virus but also the mental and emotional toll of the constant threat of illness by bringing "Covid Counselors" on set. The talent competition has also moved outdoors. Typically held in Hollywood's Dolby Theater, AGT's new home is Universal Studios Hollywood. Contestants perform in the back lot, throughout the theme park, and on a sound stage. Some of the performances will even take place overseas due to travel restrictions and border closures.
Despite the many safety protocols put in place, Mandel still can't help but be nervous about the whole situation. For individuals with OCD, a global pandemic (in which sickness is spread via person-to-person contact) can only be described as "an absolute nightmare." Mandel expressed that “with the pandemic, everything your readers feel is how I’ve lived each and every day of my waking life.” However, it doesn't appear that Mandel's daily life has changed dramatically. Mandel has embraced fist bumps while greeting others.
Since the Coronavirus has traveled all around the globe, it is safe to say that most individuals are stressed out and nervous about the virus as a whole. Mandel is no exception. However, he is working for a company that wishes to keep all people safe. Certainly, all the safety precautions that NBC is taking are giving Howie and others on AGT's set greater peace of mind at this time.
America's Got Talent airs on Tuesdays and Wednesdays @ 8/7c on NBC
Source: USA Today Howie Mandel