The Young and the Restless: The Coronavirus might be behind several recent firings

The Young and the Restless seems to be sending a message

The powers that be at The Young and the Restless seem to be making a harsh statement where COVID-19 is concerned. Three cast members who tested positive for the illness are no longer working on the CBS soap and for whatever reason, no one raised an eyebrow.

Perhaps it is because each man was dealt with in a different manner and there is no proof that COVID is the reason two of the three were let go. The fact remains that these three cast members are no longer a part of the CBS soap. Does this indicate that the show overreacting to the coronavirus, simply taking necessary precautions, or is this all a coincidence? Surprisingly fans have been silent on this matter but perhaps it's time to take a look at the facts.

Donny Boaz being fired should have been a red flag

Donny Boaz who had been portraying Chance Chancellor since 2019 announced in December 2020 that he tested positive for the coronavirus. Melissa Ordway's real-time husband Justin Gaston stepped into the role of Chance during the wedding to Abby Newman on New Year's Eve. As fans were waiting to hear the news of a return date for Boaz Y&R announced in February that he had been fired.

It was reported that the role of Nina Webster's (Trisha Cast) son would not be recast. Boaz said he was told that his character just would not be there, on=screen anymore, but would not be killed off. The entire year of 2021 was a roller coaster with Devon Hamilton (Bryton James) and Mariah Copeland (Cameron Grimes) becoming the sperm donor and surrogate for "Chabby's" child. Y&R eventually backtracked on their previous statement of not recasting the role and now Conner Floyd is portraying Chance.

Greg Rikaart's strange relationship with The Young and the Restless

Greg Rikaart joined The Young and the Restless as Kevin Fisher in 2003. He is a fan favorite but the powers that be have let him go several times. During the past 20 years, Rikaart went from being on contract to recurring status to being completely off the show but has gained a following by portraying Leo Stark on NBC's Days of Our Lives.

Rikaart was one of the first celebrities to announce that he was infected with the coronavirus in 2020 and he shared that he had a difficult time with the illness. This did not bother NBC execs as not only did Leo play a prominent role on Days of Our Lives but Stark was one of the select few Salemites to be chosen to participate in two DOOL Peacock films.

Stark was the cast of Days of Our Lives Beyond Salem, a five-part miniseries, and also the holiday movie Days of Our Lives A Very Salem Christmas.At this present time, Rikaart's DOOL character has just returned to Salem and is causing a stir because he is dating Craig Wesley (Kevin Spiratus) whose wife Nancy Wesley (Patrika Darbo) is devastated.

While NBC is making use of the talented actor his Y&R fans are left wondering if Kevin will ever return to Genoa City? It is true that Riakkart's decrease in air time began long before anyone ever heard of COVID-19 and also he has not officially been fired by Y&R. Even so, perhaps his testing positive is why his Kevin is basically MIA without an explanation.

Richard Burgi was indeed fired because of COVID

Nothing can be proven regarding Rikaart and Boaz but both of their situations seem suspicious. Richard Burgi on the other hand knows exactly why he is no longer on Y&R. Burgi said he contracted the coronavirus while visiting his mother during the Christmas holidays. He was quarantined and returned to the CBS studio in 5 days based on new CDC guidelines.

Y&R execs told the actor he had violated their personal rules which were to not return to work until after 10 days. They could have sent the popular actor home for an additional 5 days, then allowed him to return to work but instead, he was fired and replaced with veteran actor Robert Newman. So what do you think?

Were these three cast members let go because they tested positive for COVID-19 and if so were the powers that be at The Young and the Restless within their rights to do so? Were their actions motivated by fear or the best interests of the rest of the cast and crews? This really is something to ponder.