Hollywood power couple Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson confirmed they have tested positive for coronavirus on Thursday.
The couple are currently in Australia as Tom shoots for the upcoming Elvis Presley biopic, while actress and singer-songwriter Rita has been performing her first-ever solo shows in the country.
The Big star, 63, confirmed the news on social media this morning, revealing that he and Rita were tested after beginning to feel like they had a cold, as well as suffering muscle aches, fatigue and chills. They returned positive results and are now in isolation in hospital on Queensland’s Gold Coast.
“Hello, folks. Rita and I are down here in Australia,” Tom wrote on Instagram just minutes ago. “We felt a bit tired, like we had colds, and some body aches. Rita had some chills that came and went. Slight fevers too. To play things right, as is needed in the world right now, we were tested for the Coronavirus, and were found to be positive.”
He added: “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?”
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Tens of thousands of fans rushed to wish Tom and Rita the best for a speedy recovery, as one person wrote: “All my love for Rita and you.” Another said: “Feel better Mrs. & Mr. Hanks sending positive thoughts.”
While another said: “Sending hugs and happy thoughts to 2 wonderful people! Get well soon.”
The news comes just hours after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a pandemic. WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom said: “WHO has been assessing this outbreak around the clock and we are deeply concerned both by the alarming levels of spread and severity, and by the alarming levels of inaction. We have therefore made the assessment that COVID-19 can be characterised as a pandemic.
“Pandemic is not a word to use lightly or carelessly. It is a word that, if misused, can cause unreasonable fear, or unjustified acceptance that the fight is over, leading to unnecessary suffering and death.”
Hanks has been in Australia, on and off, since January as he films for Baz Lurhmann’s upcoming Elvis Presley biopic on the Gold Coast. The Oscar winner did fly back to the United States during awards season.
The father-of-four will take on the role of Presley’s manager, Colonel Tom Parker. While youngster Austin Butler has been cast as the Love Me Tender crooner.
More recently wife Rita, also 63, joined Tom Down Under to perform a string of solo shows at venues including the Sydney Opera House.