Stars, they’re just like us — especially when it comes to freaking out a little about the coronavirus pandemic.
As the outbreak continues to take an increasingly severe toll on daily life, Tom Hanks, Lil Nas X, Mariah Carey, Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber and other celebrities are taking measures to help themselves — and others — protect against germs.
Making good on his promise to “keep the world posted and updated” on his health after he and wife Rita Wilson tested positive for the virus, Hanks offered some words of comfort Thursday night on social media.
“There are things we can all do to get through this by following the advice of experts and taking care of ourselves and each other, no?” the screen icon wrote, before quoting one of his most famous lines from 1992’s “A League of Their Own.”
“Remember, despite all the current events, there is no crying in baseball.”
— Tom Hanks (@tomhanks) March 13, 2020
Good hygiene practices have seen a major uptick in celebrity endorsements — particularly hand-washing for the CDC-approved 20 seconds. On Friday, pop star Mariah Carey led by example, sharing a video of herself and her kids scrubbing their hands to the tune of her 1995 hit “Fantasy.”
Exercising this to 20 seconds of Ol' Dirty Bastard! Wash your hands! Stay safe!!! ❤️ https://t.co/lStI918GmF pic.twitter.com/SO8SQJNrk7
— Mariah Carey (@MariahCarey) March 13, 2020
Earlier this week, singer Gloria Gaynor posted a similar clip of herself washing her hands while lip-syncing her 1978 classic, the aptly titled “I Will Survive.” Many artists, including Miley Cyrus and Troye Sivan, have promoted their own music while championing cleanliness.
It only takes 20 seconds to “SURVIVE”! 👏💕🎶 #iWillSurviveChallenge #fyp #coronavirus #handwashing #washhands https://t.co/wRmBfCUJV4
— Gloria Gaynor (@gloriagaynor) March 10, 2020
Meanwhile, others have taken a more political tack, criticizing President Trump for his response — or lack thereof — to the public health crisis. Alyssa Milano, Patton Oswalt, Chelsea Handler and more skeptics have taken to Twitter to voice their concerns.
“Trumpers? Can we agree this isn’t a hoax?” Milano tweeted, taking an additional swipe at Fox News in the process. “Can’t you see how dangerous this president is? He’s been lying to us for weeks. Can’t you see how dangerous Fox News is? They’ve been corroborating his lies.”
Tom Hanks & Rita Wilson. The NBA!
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) March 12, 2020
Trumpers? Can we agree that this isn’t a hoax?
Can’t you see how dangerous this president is? He’s been lying to us for weeks. Can’t you see how dangerous Fox News is? They’ve been corroborating his lies.
Most, however, have simply delivered messages of support to anyone who has been directly affected or is feeling scared in general. Some, such as country-rap star Lil Nas X, have even pledged to help people out financially so they can “go get some food then stay inside.”
“Praying for our most vulnerable. And sending you all love today,” Kerry Washington tweeted. “Remember to cultivate your calm. Stress levels impact [health] and immunity. Gather information but also cultivate calm wherever you can. I will try to do the same.”
Praying for our most vulnerable. And sending you all love today... Remember to cultivate your calm. Stress levels impact heath and immunity. Gather information but also cultivate calm wherever you can. I will try to do the same. XOXOXOX
— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) March 12, 2020
Here are some more celebrity reactions to the outbreak:
This is a great message of solidarity from @katyperry to the people of #China. I couldn't agree more - we're in this together and we can only stop it together! Thank you for lending your voice to such an important cause. #2019nCoV
— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) February 4, 2020
🎥 @SinaWeibo, Katy Perry pic.twitter.com/u7wnn5xPdc
Now it’s as important as ever to be kind. For those who are sick, or those who are not and are scared. We’re in this together. I love you world 🌎❤️
— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) March 13, 2020
Coronavirus is camp
— billy eichner (@billyeichner) March 12, 2020
Yeah, no, sorry. Not gonna do "My Corona."
— Al Yankovic (@alyankovic) March 3, 2020
no joking, does anybody know what i can do to help with the coronavirus situation?
— nope (@LilNasX) March 5, 2020
hey guys drop ur cashapp. gonna send some of u some money to go get some food then stay inside.
— nope (@LilNasX) March 12, 2020
Hola Amigos l am Thinking of You and l know that You Also are taking lots of precautions to State Very Healthy , l Look Now Like a VItamina C. With High Hills . I love You All . Besos .#charo #cuchicuchi #healthy #healthylifestyle #clean #washyourhands #virus #cleaning #immune pic.twitter.com/7kEKK0hH60
— Charo Cuchi Cuchi (@CharoCuchiCuchi) March 13, 2020
I know the coronavirus isn’t that scary for a lot of ppl. Many of you are young & healthy & will be able to defeat it without medical help. But think of those who are immunocompromised. Your caution keeps them safe. Wash your hands &, if you’re sick, try & stay away from crowds.
— Kumail Nanjiani (@kumailn) March 6, 2020
Lori Loughlin is wondering how the Coronavirus got into Princeton and her kid didn’t.
— Conan O'Brien (@ConanOBrien) March 12, 2020
Finally the world wide event for which Trump's name and his term in office will forever be associated, "The Coronavirus.
— carl reiner (@carlreiner) March 13, 2020
Sending u light right now ✨✨✨
— Alicia Keys (@aliciakeys) March 12, 2020
Just a reminder to keep your energy high.Theres a lot going on but take care of yourself, love on your family, and remind yourself to take a deep breathe and stay calm. Don’t forget that I love u💜💜
Now that folks are cancelling non-essential travel and events, u start to realize how much we schedule that's non-essential. Of course, what we do is critical to human joy, inspiration, etc, but our entire entertainment industry is full of individually non-essential events.
— John Legend (@johnlegend) March 9, 2020
🧼 🧼 🧼 🧼 pic.twitter.com/XbxLB1ht75
— Aretha Franklin (@ArethaFranklin) March 11, 2020
wash your damn hands. #WashYourLyrics pic.twitter.com/hXF0HPrWi3
— Miley Ray Cyrus (@MileyCyrus) March 10, 2020
— troye (@troyesivan) March 10, 2020
stay safe and with your loved ones
— Sabrina Carpenter (@SabrinaAnnLynn) March 12, 2020
Stream Songs for You to improve your immune system
— TINASHE (@Tinashe) March 12, 2020
Donald where are the testing kits? https://t.co/WCL1Q212lh
— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) March 13, 2020
Now would be a good time for Republicans to declare Trump’s incompetence and insanity. People are sick and don’t know what to do. Test kits? Dow just dropped 2100 points. Are Republicans now ready to save this country, since older white men are all at risk and so is your money?
— Chelsea Handler (@chelseahandler) March 12, 2020
Grey’s Anatomy just shut down production due to Coronavirus. If Grey Sloan Memorial can’t handle this pandemic, where is the hope for the rest of us
— Robin Thede (@robinthede) March 13, 2020
Stay in. pic.twitter.com/AA5yUXcg1j
— Kat McPhee (@katharinemcphee) March 13, 2020
My doctor told me “no hugging” and “no personal contact.” Man, I’ve got the perfect family for the Coronavirus.
— Conan O'Brien (@ConanOBrien) March 13, 2020
The corona virus test is a simple swab in the nose and back of throat then sent to a lab it takes less than a minute the president has no excuse other than to get tested immediately he may be infecting everyone around him including his family staff and press.
— Rosanna Arquette🌎✌🏼 (@RoArquette) March 13, 2020
In light of recent updates regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, I have decided to postpone my sanity until at least May 1st.
— Ed Helms (@edhelms) March 13, 2020
I am working diligently to reschedule my sanity as soon as possible.#coronavirus #coronapocalypse
Question- If I have to stockpile for the end of the world, do I still need to shop gluten-free? Or does the apocalypse cancel out my allergies? #coronapocalypse #Covid_19 #coronavirus
— Olivia Munn (@oliviamunn) March 13, 2020
Friday the 13th, Corona virus taking people out left and right AND it’s raining...I think I’m staying home today
— James Maslow (@jamesmaslow) March 13, 2020
