By now, everyone's become acutely aware of the arrival of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) — a nasty 2020 surprise! It's spreading symptomatically like wildfire, but governments around the world are locking things down while they race to develop treatments for now — and a vaccine for the future.
As nations come together to fight the silent virus, celebrities are joining in. Many have been spotted on social media voluntarily staying home as a precaution, but others have actually tested positive! Who really got diagnosed, officially?
Get well soon: Coronavirus patients in sports and entertainment, updated as things unfold!
March 5 - Joe Diffie (Deceased)
Country music star Joe Diffie has died at the age of 61 after a battle with COVID-19. His rep released a statement:“GRAMMY-winning country music legend Joe Diffie passed away on Sunday, March 29, from complications of coronavirus (COVID-19). His family respects their privacy at this time.”
Between 1990 and 2004, he was one of the most commercially successful singers in his genre, with more than 30 singles on the Billboard country chart. A massive, loyal following will miss him so much!
March 6 - Alessandro Favalli
The nation of Italy has been hit hard, and that includes footballer Alessandro Favalli. Si, it's true! How did this athlete know something was wrong, right away?
According to Alessandro: "I had a fever, a headache and my eyes were burning. I already had symptoms during the night, shivering for cold...I got suspicious. I already had flu in January. I rang my family and they all had the same symptoms. We'd had a family dinner together a few days before." Feel better, Alessandro and la famiglia!
March 8 - Floyd Cardoz (Deceased)
Celebrity chef Floyd Cardoz posted an alarming message online in March: "Sincere apologies everyone. I am sorry for causing undue panic around my earlier post. I was feeling feverish and hence as a precautionary measure, admitted myself into hospital in New York. I was hugely anxious about my state of health and my post was highly irresponsible causing panic in several quarters."
The winner of Top Chef Masters went to the hospital and tested positive for COVID-19. Sadly, Floyd did not make it. He died on March 25 from virus complications, and will forever be missed by fans.
March 11 - Rudy Gobert
Rudy Gobert? No way! This NBA star was shocked to learn he was sick at all, one of the first in basketball. How did Rudy explain this news to his fans?
With a sad photo on Instagram, of course: "The first and most important thing is I would like to publicly apologize to the people that I may have endangered. At the time, I had no idea I was even infected. I was careless and make no excuse. I hope my story serves as a warning and causes everyone to take this seriously." Rudy, wise words in tough times!
March 12 - Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson
Tom and Rita were all way in Australia when the surprise hit them — and the world! How did they know something was wrong?
According to the Gump: "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." Now, they provide updates on social media from their mandatory quarantine. At least these longtime lovebirds are together, stranded in the outback for now!
March 12 - Donovan Mitchell
Donovan Mitchell is one of several NBA players who have contracted coronavirus recently. He says he had no symptoms, and feels great! Still, he has a stern warning for young fans out there in the same lucky boat for now.
Donovan shared: "I'm asymptomatic — I could walk down the street if it wasn't public knowledge that I was sick, you wouldn't know it...I think that's the scariest part about this virus, is that you may seem fine, be fine and you never know who you may be talking to, who they're going home to." Too true, Don!
March 12 - Trey Thompkins
And now, the forward for Real Madrid? Soccer is a contact sport, for sure. Corona is super contagious! Trey Thompkins recently confirmed his diagnosis on Twitter — positive! But how is he feeling, stuck at home?
Trey wrote to fans: "Thank you to EVERYONE who has sent love and/or checked up on me...I'm feeling great and just waiting for the virus to pass at this point. Really means a lot." Good to hear, buddy!
March 12 - Daniele Rugani
Daniele usually looks healthy, fit, and beach-loving on his Instagram account, but are different right now. After testing positive for the virus, all his teammates got quarantined! Yes, even superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.
Rugani tweeted: "You will have read the news and that's why I want to reassure all those who are worrying about me, I'm fine...I urge everyone to respect the rules because this virus makes no distinctions! Let's do it for ourselves, for our loved ones, and for those around us." Good idea, Daniele!
March 12 - Mikel Arteta
The head coach of Arsenal is Mikel Arteta, but they may be without his hands-on leadership for just a bit. This sports professional tested positive, and then a lot of people around him were told to self-isolate. The Premier League itself is isolating in a way, suspending play until April. And maybe longer!
On the team site, he responded to the news: "This is really disappointing, but I took the test after feeling poorly...I will be at work as soon as I'm allowed." Totally understandable, coach!
March 13 - Sophie Trudeau
Justin Trudeau may be the Prime Minister of Canada, but that doesn't mean the virus is avoiding his door. Wife Sophie has tested positive for COVID-19!
Justin is now looking after his own children in isolation, and working from home. And mom is in quarantine! So far, no one else in the Trudeau household seems to have any symptoms. World leaders of many stripes are experiencing the diagnosis of people around them, with all that traveling and handshaking on the job. Get well soon, to all!
March 13 - Callum Hudson-Odoi
Soccer, football, futball — whatever differences fans had all this time, they now have one common concern. The virus! Chelsea player Callum Hudson-Odoi has tested positive, which sent teammates and staff into a quarantine.
As a result, the club made a big decision: "Chelsea personnel who had recent close contact with the player in the men's team building will now self-isolate in line with Government health guidelines...These will include initially the full men's team squad, coaching staff, and a number of the backroom staff." Better safe than sorry, they say!
March 14 - Mystery Player, Seattle Dragons
And what about the XFL? It seems that no league is safe, this one included. For now, fans only know that an unnamed player for the Seattle Dragons was reported to have tested positive. Who could it be?
Well, it doesn't matter at this point in terms of preserving the season: The XFL has canceled all games, for all teams! They say they will be back next year, and no one can doubt it. Football marathon 2021, yes, please!
March 14 - Christian Wood
Out of the blue, the Pistons released a statement: "A player on the Detroit Pistons, who is under the care of team medical staff and in self-isolation since Wednesday night, was tested for COVID-19. A preliminary positive result came back on March 14. The health and safety of our players, our organization, those throughout our league, and all those potentially impacted by this situation is paramount."
But who was sick? Christian Wood turned out to be the first player diagnosed with Coronavirus outside of the Utah Jazz. And hopefully, one of only a few. Good luck and Godspeed, C-Wood!
March 15 - Olga Kurylenko
Former Bonds are not immune either, no matter how glamorous they may seem on screen. Case in point: Olga Kurylenko. The Quantum of Solace star has tested positive for COVID-19. And to let fans know, she went straight to Instagram!
The actress wrote: "Locked up at home after having tested positive for coronavirus. I’ve actually been ill for almost a week now. Fever and fatigue are my main symptoms. Take care of yourself and do take this seriously!" One more voice in a chorus, for sure. Stay home as directed, everyone!
March 15 - Debi Mazar
Fans may know Debi Mazar from Empire Records and Entourage, but there's some real-life drama going on in her house right now. Weeks after her husband and daughter had a fever and variety of nasty symptoms, Deb tested positive for the virus in the news!
Debi described the experience as rocky: “One day I feel crappy and the next I’m normal. Today my lungs are heavy, but I’m tough." She says she has had intense body aches and a 102.4 fever during her self-quarantine. Sounds awful, without a doubt!
March 16 - Rachel Matthews
Fans of Frozen 2 will be concerned to hear that actress Rachel Matthews has also tested positive for COVID-19. How is Honeymaren doing at the moment?
Rachel shared the news online: "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." Good to hear, Rach! Good to hear, indeed.
March 16 - Kristofer Hivju
While Game of Thrones might have seemed like a totally different time and place, the actors live in the here and now. And it seems that Kristofer Hivju now has the Coronavirus!
On Instagram, he wrote: "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...Together we can fight this virus and avert a crisis at our hospitals. Please take care of each other, keep your distance, and stay healthy!" Great advice, Kris. Distance, it is!
March 16 - Idris Elba
Ruh-roh: One Thor star has now confirmed he is positive for the Coronavirus! Idris Elba shared his experience in a video on social media: “So look, this morning I got some test results back for coronavirus and it came back positive. Yeah, and it sucks...I didn’t have any symptoms. I got tested because I realized I was exposed to someone who also tested positive.”
The world's "sexiest man alive" is now going to isolate with his gorgeous wife, Sabrina. She's being tested too! But stuck for weeks inside with Idris? She might actually have a few healthy fans who envy her, honestly!
March 16 - Mystery Players, Valencia FC
Spanish football club Valencia was hit especially hard by the virus. News reports initially claimed at least five confirmed cases, and then even more popped up. Dios mío!
Valencia FC revealed: "Despite the strict measures adopted by the club after their Champions League game...these latest results show the exposure inherent to such matches has caused a positive test rate of around 35 percent." Stay home, boys! The field will wait, but this virus can permanently damage lung capacity in the worst cases. Professional athletes need all their strength to perform, without question.
March 17 - Indira Varma
Game of Thrones, again! Actress Indira Varma played Ellaria Sand, but she has her own real-life quest now. She confirmed a positive diagnosis on Instagram, for anyone out of the loop.
Short and to the point, she summarized:"I'm in bed with [COVID-19] and it's not nice." So the world has heard, Indira. At the moment, doctors are experimenting with different drug cocktails to get people back to normal faster. Hopefully, that will be down to a science soon. Very soon, ideally!
March 17 - Charlotte Lawrence
Young entertainers have a role to play in the public discourse, of course! Charlotte Lawrence is a singer and model these days, but she is staying home now. Why? Well, she tested positive for COVID-19! That's probably why.
She implored fans to take the crisis seriously: “This is me pleading for you all to protect those less able to survive this virus...Stay inside. Please. Whether you feel sick or not, stay inside...we have the power to slow this down." Straight from the mouth of babes! Stay home, people.
March 17 - Kevin Durant
The Brooklyn Nets recently announced that not one, but four of their players had been diagnosed. And one of those names turned out to be none other than Kevin Durant!
Basketball is definitely a context sport, and no one can assume they are immune. Not yet, anyway! Many different vaccines are in the works, and better treatments are being developed for the here and now. Kevin reached out to fans: "Everyone be careful, take care of yourself and quarantine. We're going to get through this." Hopefully soon, too!
March 17 - Mystery Players, New York Yankees
Two minor league players on the New York Yankees team have tested positive for COVID-19. Who could they be?
For now, the names remain a mystery. Professional baseball has not been as seriously affected as soccer and football so far, it seems. Though fans are stuck at home with nothing to do, in many cases, all games in all sports are basically banned right now. Think about the massive crowds in the stadium! The show must not go on, according to authorities.
March 18 - Arielle Charnas
Arielle Charnas is what they call an influencer, these days. And recently, she had big news for her 1.3 million followers!
Arielle revealed: "It’s been 4 days since I started feeling incredibly sick. Each day the symptoms evolve into something else and while I can’t imagine how I’d ever catch coronavirus (from what I know I haven’t been in contact with anyone who has it) I’m dealing with the weirdest virus I’ve ever had since mono. I’m so happy my fever is gone but the body pain that I’m feeling today is unlike anything else." COVID-19, confirmed positive!
March 18 - Mystery Player, Ottawa Senators
New PSA: "The Ottawa Senators are in the process of notifying anyone who has had known close contact with the athlete and is working with our team doctors and public health officials...As a result of this positive case, all members of the Ottawa Senators are requested to remain isolated, to monitor their health and seek advice from our team medical staff."
Yes, an unnamed player has tested positive for the virus, the first in the NHL. Who has COVID-19? The league is keeping mum, but the symptoms are reported as mild. Phew! Great news, keep on coming.
March 19 - Mystery Players, Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets also had a big announcement this month. According to team management: "The person, who was tested after experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19 on March 16, is currently under the care of team medical staff and in self-isolation."
This person remains unnamed, but it's good to hear they are in isolation. So many people are asymptomatic for weeks! This facilitates spreading, spreading, spreading, and boom! The Nuggets seem to have the right idea to nip this in the bud, good and early. Way to go, team!
March 19 - Daniel Dae Kim
Actor Daniel Dae Kim confirmed he has COVID-19, and has been receiving treatment in Hawaii! He announced that a cocktail of drugs helped him recover almost fully, crediting the anti-malarial drug Chloroquine as key to his recovery. Great feedback, Dan!
Still, the actor expressed some concerns about the social effects of this crisis. Daniel pleaded: "Please, please stop the prejudice and senseless violence against Asian people. Randomly beating elderly, sometimes homeless Asian-Americans is cowardly, heartbreaking and it’s inexcusable." Yikes, people can be crazy sometimes!
March 19 - Marcus Smart
Marcus Smart has a lot of smart feedback for fans right now. He tested positive for the virus, and wants young people to listen up! The request: “The younger generation in our country MUST self distance. This is not a joke. Not doing so is selfish. Together we can beat this, but we must beat it together by being apart for a short while."
Marcus implored young people to stop hanging out in groups, especially. No groups, please! Instead, why not enjoy 18 seasons of Family Guy — guilt-free? It's time for a serious binge, but laughs are definitely allowed for mental health.
March 19 - Sean Payton
Now, the New Orleans Saints coach? Yes, it seems so. Sean Payton revealed his diagnosis to ESPN, the first public case of COVID-19 in NFL world.
Sean went further: "This is not just about social distancing...It's shutting down here for a week to two weeks. If people understand the curve and understand the bump, we can easily work together as a country to reduce it...It's not complicated to do what they're asking of us. Just that type of small investment by every one of us will have a dramatic impact." Words of wisdom, from the coach himself!
March 20 - Andy Cohen
Bravo host Andy Cohen told his followers he is putting his show on hold for now. The show must not go on! But why?
Andy explained: "After a few days of self-quarantine, and not feeling great, I have tested positive for Coronavirus. As much as I felt like I could push through whatever I was feeling to do #WWHL from home, we’re putting a pin in that for now so I can focus on getting better." Get well soon, Andy Cohen!
March 20 - Colton Underwood
No, not The Bachelor! Okay, yes — Colton Underwood has officially tested himself. The results are in, and he does have COVID-19. And it sounds a bit rough, in his case!
Colton tweeted: "For those wondering what my symptoms are: headache, body aches, night sweats, fever, shortness of breath and a cough. Currently, I get winded doing simple tasks like walking up the stairs getting out of bed." Currently, he is quarantined with his girlfriend and her family, all exposed! Feel better soon, Colton.
March 21 - David Bryan
David Bryan is the beloved Bon Jovi keyboardist that fans have known and loved for decades. But unfortunately, he just announced a positive COVID-19 result after feeling sick all week!
He had a lot to say: “Please don’t be afraid!!! It’s the flu, not the plague. I’ve been quarantined for a week and will for another week. And when I feel better I’ll get tested again to make sure I’m free of this nasty virus...Please help out each other. This will be over soon...with the help of every American!” Amen, David. Amen!
March 21 - Pink
Pop-rock singer Pink opened up on social media to make a shocking announcement: "Two weeks ago my three-year-old son, Jameson, and I... were showing symptoms of COVID-19. Fortunately, our primary care physician had access to tests and I tested positive." Yikes! How are they doing now?
The good news is, Pink and her child have recovered and tested negative. What's more, she announced that her family will donate half a million dollars to the Temple University Hospital Emergency Fund, in honor of a former employee — her mother!
March 22 - Plácido Domingo
Plácido Domingo, say it ain't so! After noticing his fever and cough, the world-famous Spanish opera man got tested — and he announced that yes, it is the case. What is his message to the world, as an older patient?
Plácido posted on Facebook: “I feel it is my moral duty to announce to you that I have tested positive for Covid-19, the Coronavirus...I beg everyone to be extremely careful." At 79, it's easy to understand his concern! The Domingo family is in isolation right now, obeying doctor's orders. ¡Ay, caramba!
March 23 - Harvey Weinstein
Fresh off his recent criminal convictions, disgraced film producer Harvey Weinstein has tested positive for COVID-19. Less than a week after his transfer to maximum security, he's now in isolation.
At 68, any doctor would say he is high risk already for a harsh viral experience. But preexisting conditions are present here, too. Harvey was recovering from serious surgery before the Coronavirus hit, and this cannot be good news in Weinstein world. Prisons have actually become a real concern for outbreaks, and some states are considering releasing criminals right now!
March 25 - Prince Charles
Prince Charles, no! The Queen's son and heir to the British throne has now tested positive for COVID-19. Currently, he is isolating himself in Scotland — but how is he doing?
According to the palace: “The Prince of Wales has tested positive for coronavirus. He has been displaying mild symptoms but otherwise remains in good health and has been working from home throughout the last few days as usual...It is not possible to ascertain from whom the Prince caught the virus owing to the high number of engagements he carried out in his public role during recent weeks.”
March 27 - UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson
The world was shocked to learn that the leader of the UK had caught the bug, but maybe not terribly surprised. Boris is in a line of work where he meets so many people all the time!
For 10 days, he had live streamed his journey and insisted that everything was okay working from home. But he looked weary, despite his signature cheer. On April 5, he was moved to the hospital for treatment. Then, he was upgraded to intensive care — and his deputy has taken over while he fights for his life. Get well soon, Boris!
March 29 - Andrew Jack (Deceased)
Andrew Jack was known by many as a Hollywood voice coach and to others, an actor in Star Wars. Now, he is making headlines now for a different reason: COVID-19. The 76 year old actor died on March 31 from virus complications in a hospital outside of London. So sad!
His wife broke the news on social media: "We lost a man today. Andrew Jack was diagnosed with Coronavirus 2 days ago. He was in no pain, and he slipped away peacefully knowing that his family were all 'with' him." Condolences, Jack family!
March 31 - Adam Schlesinger (Deceased)
Fountain of Wayne member Adam Schlesinger had formulated a impressive second career as an executive music producer on TV. Unfortunately, he was diagnosed with the virus recently.
He died on April 1 at an upstate New York hospital, in his early 50's. His friends had been optimistic that he would recover, but the sickness was just too much to overcome. Adam leaves behind shocked fans and many loved ones, so suddenly. RIP, Adam.