Scotty Cam, host of The Block has finally ordered a coronavirus shutdown that would last for more than five weeks, much to the heartbreak of the contestants.

Viewers have been watching on as the cast of the hit show became nervous as the world shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The episodes were filmed in March, so for some viewers, it was a harsh reminder of how tense things were just a few months ago.

In an initial announcement, Cam was firm that the show would continue.

"I've spoken directly to the federal minister and Victorian state ministry … and they have said to me that they would like to see us continue," he told the cast and crew. "Three words I didn't think I'd say today. Back to work!"

Things changed quickly as there was a second emergency meeting during the episode.

"We have been monitoring the situation hour-by-hour, and I'm afraid to say it's getting worse, not better. Obviously, we want to continue for as long as we can, and it's for a very good reason... It's not about making a TV show; it's about keeping everybody employed. our tradies, our crew."

Cam explained that they had been working under the assumption that, should they go into lockdown, they would be able to get the contestants back to their home states safely.

"But this morning, the UK government initiated a lockdown of its citizens without warning. Frankly, that's a risk I'm not willing to take," he said.

"The most important thing to me is to get you guys back home to your families safely so you can ride this out together. You need to be with your loved ones. So, I'm shutting it down now."

"I'm sorry it's come to this, but I'm really looking forward to getting you back here as soon as possible. Pack your bags gang, you're going home."

The contestants would be waiting five and a half weeks in their homes before being asked to return by Cam and resume filming.