Article by Lindiwe Karosa
Since the World Health Organisation declared Covid-19 a global pandemic, the world has been overcome by a sense of fear and panic. Public figures affected by Covid-19 have used their influence to educate and encourage the globe by sharing their journeys. Take a look at some prominent figures who have tested positive.
Money Heist’s Itziar Ituño who plays Inspector Raquel Murillo has recently tested positive for Covid-19. She shared the news with her fans on Instagram and urged fans to not take the virus lightly.
The star stated that her symptoms were mild and that she’s fine but also that this might not be the case for others. She joins many other public figures who have come out with their Covid-19 statuses to create awareness and share their journeys against the pandemic.
Here’s a collection of other famous people who’ve contracted Covid-19:
Arts
British actor Idris Elba revealed to the world that he and his wife, Sabrina Dhowre tested positive for the virus. They have since quarantined together for the recommenced 14 days and still not shown any symptoms of the virus. Idris is optimistic that the worst is over and that he and his wife are fine.
Filmmaker and actor, Tom Hanks and his songstress wife Rita Wilson have also quarantined for 14 days after discovering that they had contracted Covid-19. The couple shared that they feel better after this window period and urged others to stay at home.
Sports
Many athletes from abroad have tested positive for Covid-19. This list of names includes Juventus soccer player Paulo Dybala and his teammates Blaise Matuidi & Daniele Rugani. Dybala went to Instagram to update his fans on health and captioned his picture “we are good”.
In South Africa, retired swimmer Cameron van der Burgh was the first athlete to test positive for the virus and was subsequently joined by SA golfer, Victor Lange. Van der Burgh shared his experience with Covid-19 on a Twitter thread while Victor Lange’s self-quarantine nears its end.
Politics
General Secretary of SAFTU Zwelinzima Vavi has been fighting Covid-19 after he insisted on being tested because of ongoing symptoms. He has since been discharged from hospital after being admitted for what he described as a heavy chest and lungs.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was admitted to St Thomas’ Hospital with what has been described as “persistent symptoms” after contracting the virus. Yesterday, he was subsequently moved into Intensive Care as a precaution to ensure that he was close to a ventilator.
Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari’s chief of staff, Abba Kyari has also tested positive for Coronavirus. Reuters Africa reported that Kyari had travelled to Germany in March with a delegation of other Nigerian officials. The chief of staff has since been in quarantine, while it is unclear if the president has been tested at this point. Governor Bala Mohammed (also from Nigeria) has also contracted the virus.
The common call by these public figures has been that the world should abide by guidelines and recommendations given by WHO. They have asked people to stay at home in the name of saving lives and to wash their hands. Their encounters with the virus prove that Covid-19 could be contracted by people from all walks of life and people should heed the calls that their governments and WHO have made.
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