As COVID-19 continues its murderous surge, several folks who dwell in the world of daytime drama have been impacted. Each soap has reported staff who have tested positive. Now someone in front of the camera has revealed that they were quarantining after a positive test. "General Hospital" star Briana Nicole Henry, who plays Jordan, told fans she and her real-life husband, Eric, tested positive right after Thanksgiving. They both had symptoms but are on the mend: "Unlike others, we are on the road to recovery." She thanked friends, co-workers and family for their support. "It helped knowing how many people cared. That really did help." She also acknowledged that they have some remaining symptoms but will soon be totally good to go.

Los Angeles, where all the soaps are taped, has seen a surge, and the numbers of cases and deaths continue to climb. For now, all shows are taping, but some folks in the business fear they will have to lock down. The entertainment industry is the lifeblood of the city. We are not just talking cast; drivers, caterers, directors, producers, etc. are all important parts of the fabric. "Days of Our Lives" is taped well in advance. "General Hospital," "The Bold and the Beautiful" and "The Young and the Restless" are filming. All the shows are under strict COVID-19 orders. A COVID-19 monitor is on each set for daily testing; masks are on, unless a scene is taping. No makeup room, no meetings, no shared lunches or going over lines in the dressing rooms. "General Hospital" and "Days of Our Lives" have managed to look as if everything is normal. "The Bold and the Beautiful" and "The Young and the Restless" look stilted. The former had an absurd storyline featuring a living doll. Yes, a mannequin was brought back to life. The latter had lots of folks sitting around drinking tea. They are trying, Ratings for these two shows are down. They are still No. 1, but "General Hospital" and "Days of Our Lives" are closing in.

Prime-time TV star Jackee Harry is joining "Days of our Lives" — only fitting, as the star of "227" studied opera in college. While teaching, she decided that acting was what she really wanted to do. Her first role was on "Another World." Then it was on to prime time. The voluptuous actress was perfect playing the sassy, don't-mess-with-me characters. She will bring that type of character. On "The Today Show," she revealed she will be playing a not-so-nice character who will shake up things in Salem. She maybe a relative of Sheila's, which would involve her with Abe, Eli and Lani. Other characters will be brought on to give Harry someone to interact with. Harry will start airing in early 2021.

Over at "The Bold and the Beautiful," Lola gets what she wants: a visit from her mother and brother. Eva LaRue and Justin Canola are set to return to town on Dec. 18 for Sharon and Rey's wedding.

For a decade, the Abbotts on "The Young and the Restless" never had to worry about tying their shoes, whipping up breakfast or answering the doorbell. They had housekeeper Mamie for that and sage advice. Marguerite Ray, who spent over a decade doing everything for the family, died at 89 this week. After "Y&R," her career flourished with prime-time guest-starring roles and supporting film work.

Linda Dano, daytime royalty from "Another World" to "One Life to Live," is replacing daytime royalty Louise Sorel as Vivian on "Days of Our Lives." Last time the character returned, she was replaced by soap queen Robin Strasser.

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: Free-Photos at Pixabay