Chet Hanks says parents Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson are “not worried” after testing positive for coronavirus.
On Wednesday (March 10), Tom revealed he and his wife have been diagnosed with the lethal, wide-spreading disease while in Australia, where Hanks was filming for Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis Presley film in Australia. Hours after the news broke, their 29-year-old son took to social media to provide fans an update about his family.
“Yeah, it's true,” Chet confirmed in an Instagram Live video. “My parents got Coronavirus. Crazy. They're both down in Australia right now because my dad was shooting a movie down there but I just got off the phone with them. They both are fine, they're not even that sick."
"They're not worried about it, they're not trippin' but they're going through the necessary health precautions obviously," he continued. "But I don't think it's anything to be too worried about. I appreciate everyone's concern and the well wishes but I think it's all going to be alright but I appreciate it and just, everybody stay safe out there. Much love."
Colin Hanks, the actor's eldest child, also tweeted the following update: "We are so grateful for the outpouring of support from everyone. My parents are receiving excellent care in Australia and doing well (and in good spirits) given the circumstances. Despite the fact I'm in LA and haven't seen them in over three weeks, we have been in constant contact and am confident that they will make a full recovery."
After the couple's diagnosis made headlines, Warner Bros., which is fronting the upcoming Presley flick, addressed the matter in a statement, assuring the studio is “working closely with the appropriate Australian health agencies to identify and contact anyone who may have come in direct contact with the individual” and “the individual who tested positive for COVID-19 is currently receiving treatment.”
As of yet, the disease — which the World Health Organization has officially declared a pandemic — has affected at least 1,300 people in the United States, with 38 people having died from the virus.
To keep up to date on the latest news about the coronavirus and to understand what you need to stay safe and healthy, check out the Coronavirus: Fact vs Fiction podcast from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta.
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