'Young and Restless' star fired from show for allegedly breaching COVID-19 protocols

Actor Richard Burgi was fired from CBS's longtime running soap opera "The Young and the Restless" Tuesday for allegedly breaking COVID-19 protocols, Variety reported.

The actor's announcement came on Tuesday during an Instagram live video, in which he described how he "inadvertently" violated the show's COVID-19 policy, which requires employees to wait 10 days to return to set following diagnosis.

Sources confirmed with the media outlet that the actor was no longer with the show.

Burgi claimed he tested positive for COVID-19 in late December and returned to the show's set five days after receiving his results, a practice in line with the new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

He says he tested negative twice before returning to work.

During his Instagram video, Burgi said, "I felt terrible about it, I still do. It bothers me mightily but it is what it is. I respect whatever the show's decision is. They're doing the best they can, as we all are."

In late December, the CDC shortened its COVID-19 isolation protocol from 10 days to five for people who are asymptomatic or have seen their symptoms begun to clear up. The health agency also recommends wearing a mask after the five-day period.

"The change is motivated by science demonstrating that the majority of SARS-CoV-2 transmission occurs early in the course of illness, generally in the 1-2 days prior to onset of symptoms and the 2-3 days after," the CDC said at the time.

Burgi who played Ashland Locke on the daytime show, is one of a number of soap opera actors who have been fired due to COVID-19 protocol infringements. Other performers include Ingo Rademacher and Steve Burton of "General Hospital," according to Variety.