Hollywood feels the pinch as Covid-19 spreads its tentacles

New York : With novel coronavirus outbreak casting its shadow on business around the world, the hollywood industry also couldn’t get away from it. After the multiple Oscar-winning actor, Tom Hanks, Game of Thrones star Kristofer Hivju, Frozen actor Rachel Matthew and British actor Idris Elba are the latest celebrities to test positive for coronavirus.

The 26-year-old Rachel, who voices Honey Maren in the 2019 Disney animated film, told her Instagram followers that she has been in quarantine for the past week. “Hey guys, I tested positive for COVID-19 and have been in quarantine the last week. Unsure of what the next step is (been getting mixed info so will keep you posted) but obviously will remain in quarantine until told to do otherwise. I’m feeling better but I will be posting some info that I hope will be helpful to some.

The actor also shared the

R. Matthews

Kristofer Hivju

list of her symptoms to create awareness about the coronavirus outbreak.

Kristofer Hivju, who played Tormund Giantsbane in HBO’s epic fantasy series, took to Instagram on Monday to share his diagnosis.

Though in “good health”, Hivju said, he and his family were in self-isolation.

“Greetings from Norway! Sorry to say that I, today, have tested positive for COVID19, Corona virus. My family and I are self-isolating at home for as long as it takes. We are in good health — I only have mild symptoms of a cold,” he wrote.

Hivju, 41, also urged fans

Idris Elba

and followers to follow the regulations for “staying safe and protecting not just yourselves, but our entire community, and especially those at risk like the elderly and people with pre-existing conditions”.

British actor Idris Elba also tweeted a video Monday that he had no symptoms yet but was quarantining.

“It sucks,” the 47-yearold said in a clip, saying he got tested Friday because he realised he’d had exposure from someone who also tested positive.

“Listen, I’m doing okay,” Elba said, before telling fans “this is serious.”

“Now’s the time to really think about social distancing, washing your hands,” he continued. “There are people out there who aren’t showing symptoms and that can easily spread it.

“Transparency is probably the best thing for this right now.”

Elba encouraged anyone who felt ill to hunker down and get a test if possible, while also voicing solidarity with others who have the virus that's left at least 175,530 people infected, with 7,007 deaths worldwide.

The Wire star also extended condolences to those who've lost close ones or who have lost their economic livelihoods as businesses across the globe shut down.

The virus, which originated in China’s Wuhan city, was declared pandemic by World Health Organisation (WHO) last week.

The COVID-19 has claimed over 7,000 lives and infected more than 175,530 people in 145 countries. — PTI, AFP