Reason why Sunrise host Natalie Barr was absent from show on Thursday

Sunrise viewers were puzzled to see host Natalie Barr absent from the show this morning. Here’s why she wasn’t there.

Sunrise presenters have been “dropping like flies” in recent days as fill-in hosts explain why Natalie Barr was absent from the desk this morning.

Matt Shirvington has been presenting for David ‘Kochie’ Koch who is recovering from Covid-19 at home.

But, it was Barr’s absence on Thursday that had Channel 7 viewers puzzled.

As Monique Wright presented the show in her place, it was quickly explained that the usual co-host and breakfast show star, 53, was simply feeling unwell and needed to spend a day in bed.

Sunrise host Natalie Barr (pictured co-star David ‘Kochie’ Koch) with was absent from the desk this morning because she was feeling unwell. Picture: Julian Andrews

But it was said on the network that she had tested negative to Covid-19. Picture: Supplied

Opening the show, Wright said: “Good morning, welcome to Thursday. Great to have your company.”

“They’re dropping like flies here at Sunrise!,” she joked.

“First of course, Kochie had Covid. The good news is he’s recovering at home and doing really well.”

Then Shirvington explained Barr took a sick day because she was “unwell” but had tested negative to Covid-19.

“Do you remember the old head cold? That still exists apparently,” he said.

“Rest up Nat. Hopefully you’ll be back tomorrow.”

According to 7 News, Barr — who is fully vaccinated and boostered — will continue to take Rapid Antigen Tests to monitor her symptoms.

Monique Wright and Matt Shirvington filled in for Barr and David ‘Kochie’ Koch. Picture: Supplied/Sunrise

After the Red Cross Flood Appeal on Saturday night, Kochie woke up the following morning “feeling a bit shaggy” and later tested positive to the virus.

In a statement issued to 7 News, he said he initially tested negative around lunchtime on Saturday ahead of the national appeal.

But after a second test, the 66-year-old’s results were positive.

“I initially put down to the late finish and sharing the bottle of red wine that Sylvia and Dr Chris insisted we share (that’s my version and I’m sticking with it),” Kochie said in the statement.

“Symptoms are mild and I’m following the health orders.”

He recently took to social media, posting a story of the vitamins, lemon ginger tea and orange juice his nurse wife Libby organised for him to help him recover.