Coronavirus: Celebrities raise outbreak awareness after diagnosis
Tom Hanks, Idris Elba and several athletes have said they've contracted the new coronavirus. As the COVID-19 pandemic grips the world, celebrities are using their own diagnosis to encourage others to self-isolate.
Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson
Actor Tom Hanks, known for his iconic roles in "Forrest Gump," "The Da Vinci Code" and "Bridge of Spies," revealed on social media that he was diagnosed with COVID-19 in Australia. His wife, actress and singer Rita Wilson, has also been diagnosed with the virus. Both have since been released from hospital and are in self-quarantine.
Idris Elba
British actor Idris Elba announced that he had tested positive for coronavirus in a video on Twitter. The actor, popularly known for his role in the HBO show "The Wire" said he'd already quarantined himself after coming in contact with someone else who tested positive for the virus. In his announcement, Elba urged his followers to practice social distancing.
Kristofer Hivju
Norwegian actor Kristofer Hivju is the latest to join the list of celebrities with coronavirus. Hivju, who is popularly known for playing the character Tormund on the HBO show, "Game of Thrones," revealed on Instagram that he was currently in quarantine with his family in Norway.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, wife of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, tested positive for coronavirus after returning from the UK. Her husband later announced that he had gone into self-isolation.
Mikel Arteta
The head coach of popular premier league club Arsenal, Mikel Arteta confirmed that he has tested positive. Following the confirmation, the Premier League postponed weekend matches and the Arsenal team was placed under quarantine. Player Lucas Torreria said on Monday that Arteta was recovering well.
Callum Hudson-Odoi
After Mikel Arteta, the Premier League was hit by another coronavirus case, with Chelsea player Callum Hudson-Odoi testing positive. Last week, the player tweeted: "I am following the health guidelines and self-isolating myself from everybody for the week. I hope to see everybody soon and hopefully will be back on the pitch very soon."
Olga Kurylenko
Olga Kurylenko, most popularly known for her role in the James Bond film, "Quantum of Solace," revealed on Sunday that she had tested positive for COVID-19. Kurylenko said that she was ill for almost a week with fever and fatigue.
Rudy Gobert
Rudy Gobert, who plays for the Utah Jazz basketball team in the NBA, joins the long list of sports celebrities with coronavirus. Gobert's diagnosis led the NBA to suspend its season. Gobert created some controversy as he had joked about the coronavirus during an interview session days before he tested positive. On March 12th, Gobert issued an apology on Instagram.
Evangelos Marinakis
Evangelos Marinakis, the owner of soccer clubs Olympiacos and Nottingham Forest, has tested positive for COVID-19. His diagnosis led to the self-isolation of several football players who had interacted with him.