March 11, 2020
Tom Hanks announced Wednesday that he and wife Rita Wilson tested positive for coronavirus COVID-19.
Hanks announced the diagnosis via Instagram, stating that he and his wife began exhibiting symptoms including chills, body aches and slight fevers while visiting Australia. The couple decided it was in theIR best interest to undergo testing, which came out positive for the coronavirus.
The post reads, “”Well, now. What to do next? The Medical Officials have protocols that must be followed. We Hanks’ will be tested, observed, and isolated for as long as public health and safety requires. Not much more to it than a one-day-at-a-time approach, no?”
Hanks becomes the first high-profile public figure to contract the virus. Following a 24-hour window where 196 coronavirus-related deaths were confirmed in Italy, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. With the number of positive cases in the United States reaching over 1,000, and 36 deaths as of Wednesday, heightened concerns regarding travel and large gatherings are being addressed. Australia currently has over 120 cases as of Wednesday according to WHO.
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