NEW YORK — The New York state health department is investigating the circumstances surrounding Joan Rivers’ cardiac arrest during an outpatient procedure.

Spokesman James O’Hare said Thursday that the department is looking into “the whole matter.” He declined to discuss specifics.

The 81-year-old comic and red carpet commentator was hospitalized last week after going into cardiac arrest at a doctor’s office.

Her family said Wednesday that Rivers has been moved from intensive care at Mount Sinai Hospital into a private room, where she was “being kept comfortable.”

No further details were released on her condition.

E! network confirmed on Thursday that Rivers’ weekly “Fashion Police” series is on hiatus for two weeks.

The long-running program, which normally airs fresh episodes on Fridays, is on break this week and next, the network announced, “as we await Joan and Melissa’s return in front and behind the camera.” Rivers’ daughter, Melissa Rivers, is its executive producer.

In its place, the network plans to air two special programs focusing on New York Fashion Week.


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