Tom Hanks and Wife Rita Wilson Test Positive for Coronavirus
Production for an untitled Elvis Presley movie from Warner Bros. was paused after Tom Hanks announced he tested positive for coronavirus.
In a personal Instagram post, the Elvis movie actor announced he and his wife, Jingle All The Way actress Rita Wilson, were infected with COVID-19 on Wednesday.
The virus originated from China and has now affected more than 126,000 people worldwide was recently labeled a 'pandemic' by the World Health Organization.
The married couple, both 63, was staying in Australia for the Baz Luhrmann's Elvis Presley movie production.
The Toy Story actor shared he and his wife will follow proper health protocols and will observe isolation as required.
A Warner Bros. spokesperson confirmed production was halted due to a coronavirus case of a "company member." The studio did not reveal how many were working with Hanks during pre-production.
The film's cast included Austin Butler (as Elvis Presley), Tom Hanks (Colonel Tom Parker), Maggie Gyllenhaal (Gladys Presley), Rufus Sewell (Vernon Presley), and Olivia DeJonge (Priscilla Presley).
The studio said they are working closely with Australian authorities to identify anyone who may have come into close contact with the infected individual.
"The health and safety of our company members is always our top priority, and we are taking precautions to protect everyone who works on our productions around the world."
Rita Wilson
Wilson attended a Women's Cancer Research Fund's event on February 28. During a red carpet interview, she said she avoided air kisses and hugs as a cautionary measure against coronavirus.
The event took place after Wilson postponed her concerts on US Military bases on South Korea due to the outbreak in the country.
Related: How to Find Out if You are Positive for the Novel Coronavirus
The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences also canceled events amid the alarming increase in coronavirus cases.
The decision was released the same day WHO declared the virus as "pandemic". Officials from the World Health Organization said they hope countries will pull out all the stops to contain and resolve the growing number of COVID-19 cases.
Coronavirus-related deaths in the US climbed to 31 on Wednesday. The country now has more than 1,000 confirmed cases with health agencies expecting more to come.
A recent report said there are over 126,293 coronavirus cases across 114 countries. 4,291 people have reportedly died from a global health threat.
Other companies and events postponed or canceled plans following the coronavirus crisis. A list from a media site included::
FreeWheel Media (March 12, Postponed)
AMC Networks (MArch 18, Canceled)
Fox News (March 24, Canceled)
A+E Networks (March 25, Live Events changed to Virtual Presentations)
BBC News (April 27, TBD)
Vudu (April 28, TBD)
Roku (April 28, TBD)
Verizon Media (April 28, TBD)
Vice Media Group (April 29, TBD)
Ellen Digital Network (April 29, TBD)
Amazon (April 30, TBD)
Youtube (April 30, Live Presentation will be live-streamed)
Hulu (May 6, TBD)
NBCUniversal (May 11, TBD)
Fox Entertainment (May 11, TBD)
Telemundo (May 11, TBD)
Univision (May 12, TBD)
Disney (May 12, TBD)
Discover (May 12, TBD)
WarnerMedia (May 13, TBD)
ViacomCBS(May 13, TBD)
The CW (May 14, TBD)
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