Celebs Who Have Tested Positive For Coronavirus

While pandemic threats are nothing new in human history, the coronavirus pandemic that popped up globally in 2019 and 2020 caught plenty of folks by surprise. Items like toilet paper, disinfecting wipes, and hand sanitizer flew off of grocery store shelves, as reported by NPR, as people rushed out to prepare for possible quarantine in their homes. And, of course, we all learned how to properly wash our hands, practice social distancing, and ensure that our hygiene habits protect vulnerable populations.

It didn't take long for the world to learn that even celebrities aren't immune to coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, as several high-profile actors, athletes, and politicians tested positive for the virus and have largely taken steps to protect others from receiving a similar diagnosis. To that end, here's a list of all of the famous people who have confirmed cases of coronavirus. We hope everyone makes a full and speedy recovery! 

On March 11, 2020, the NBA announced that it would suspend the remainder of its season, which naturally shocked fans. But the league had a good reason for doing so, as one of the players on the Utah Jazz tested positive for coronavirus. The NBA clearly did not want to be responsible for any further spread of the disease!

The baller who tested positive turned out to be Rudy Gobert, who broke the news on his Instagram page. "The first and most important thing is I would like to publicly apologize to the people that I may have endangered," he wrote in the caption. "At the time, I had no idea I was even infected."

Gobert went on to acknowledge how careless he was, and he encouraged people to learn from his mistake. "I will do whatever I can to support using my experience as way to educate others and prevent the spread of this virus," he added.

Unfortunately, Rudy Gobert wasn't the only NBA player to come down with coronavirus, as Utah Jazz teammate Donovan Mitchell also tested positive for the disease. And while he said he had to "cool off" after learning he had contracted the coronavirus from Gobert, Mitchell maintained a healthy perspective, as shared in an interview with Today, which took place via video chat. He noted he was "happy" that he and Gobert were the only two on their team to be diagnosed. "Neither him or I have children at home," he explained. "I know I have some teammates who have children, I have some staff who have children at home."

While Mitchell did have to enter isolation so as not to infect anyone else, he hasn't shown any symptoms of COVID-19 at the time of this writing. Mitchell even said he'd be ready to lace up and play a game at any time — for real! "I'm fine," he continued in his Today interview. "Things are going well, just in isolation. ... No fever, no symptoms. Blessed to be able to be okay."

When news broke that a member of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro's staff tested positive for coronavirus in March of 2020, that caused concern for Miami mayor Francis Suarez, as he'd recently met with the Brazilian leader. "During the President's visit to Miami on Monday and Tuesday, I was in the same room as the President and the infected staff member," he revealed in a post on his Instagram page. Suarez added that, in an effort to be as cautious as possible, he was going to self-quarantine so as not to spread the virus to others.

Shortly thereafter, Suarez once again took to Instagram to announce that he'd tested positive for COVID-19. "After speaking with medical professionals, I will continued to follow Department of Health protocol and remain isolated while I lead our government remotely," he continued. He also said that the city of Miami would go on operating as normal, though some restrictions have been implemented, according to the Miami Herald.

Just as COVID-19 is an issue in the United States, it's also been spreading throughout the land down under, according to the Australian government. That's where actor Tom Hanks and his wife, Rita Wilson, were when they started feeling ill, according to a post on his Instagram page. "To play things right, as is needed in the world right now, we were tested for the [coronavirus], and were found to be positive," he wrote in the caption. After that, the couple went into isolation.

Interestingly enough, a post that Hanks made shortly thereafter sparked controversy, though not because of any coronavirus concerns. Hanks told his followers on Instagram to thank "the Helpers," in an apparent nod to the late Fred Rogers, accompanied by a snap of toast slathered in Vegemite — an Australian culinary staple. But Australians were flummoxed by the amount of the condiment he had spread on his toast, according to People magazine, and admonished him for his mistake. "Life is like a tube of Vegemite. Don't try it all at once," tweeted journalist Sally Sara. Fair enough!

While you might not think of James Bond or his many lady friends as especially susceptible to illness, one Bond Girl did test positive for coronavirus: Ukrainian-born actress Olga Kurylenko. "I've actually been ill for almost a week now. Fever and fatigue are my main symptoms," the Quantum of Solace star shared in a post on her Instagram page. "Take care of yourself and do take this seriously!"

Kurylenko also said that she was "locked up at home" while sick, which prompted people to ask her why she had quarantined at home instead of at a hospital. The answer? "Because hospitals are full and they are only taking patients that are struggling with life, if I understand correctly," she explained in another Instagram post. She was also careful to assure her fans that she would call an ambulance if necessary. As to where Kurylenko contracted the illness, she's said it's "impossible to know."

Beloved British actor Idris Elba broke the hearts of his many fans when he took to Twitter to share a fraught announcement on March 16, 2020: He'd tested positive for COVID-19. "I feel ok, I have no symptoms so far but have been isolated since I found out about my possible exposure to the virus," he wrote in the caption. He encouraged people to "stay home" and "be pragmatic," noting that he'd keep his followers informed about his health.

Elba also shared a video in the tweet, in which he discussed the details of his diagnosis. He implored his followers to take the situation seriously, with his wife, Sabrina, by his side, who later tested positive for COVID-19. "Now is the time to really think about social distancing, washing your hands," he said. Elba also urged his fans to forget their partisan differences and come together to take care of each other.

When it comes to COVID-19, not even Westeros is safe from the virus. On March 16, 2020, Game of Thrones actor Kristofer Hivju, who played wildling Tormund Giantsbane, revealed on social media that he'd tested positive for coronavirus. "My [family] and I are self-isolating at home for as long as it takes," he explained in a post on his Instagram page. "We are in good health — I only have mild symptoms of a cold." Thank goodness!

Additionally, Hivju asked his followers to follow the protocol set forth by their country's center for disease control in order to protect vulnerable populations. "Together we can fight this virus and avert a crisis at our hospitals," he added. He encouraged his fans to be mindful of one another, keep a healthy distance from people, and do what they can to stay in good health.

Hivju's wife, Gry Molvær Hivju, also appeared in the Instagram snap alongside her husband.

Players on the Utah Jazz aren't the only NBA stars who have tested positive for the coronavirus, as four members of the Brooklyn Nets have also been diagnosed with COVID-19. One of those players is former Warriors baller Kevin Durant, who broke the news to The Athletic on March 17, 2020. The news came on the heels of the NBA suspending the remainder of its 2020 season until further notice (via ESPN).

Fortunately Durant said that he hasn't experienced any symptoms at the time of this writing and that he is, in fact, feeling fine. "Everyone be careful, take care of yourself and quarantine," he said. "We're going to get through this." That's all the more reason to keep calm, wash your hands, and refrain from touching your face.

The Athletic noted that only one of the four Nets players who tested positive is showing any symptoms.

In March 2020, Frozen II actress Rachel Matthews, who voiced the character Honeymaren in the animated movie, revealed that she'd tested positive for coronavirus. "Hey guys, I tested positive for COVID-19 and have been in quarantine the last week," she shared in an Instagram story (via Page Six). She added that she will remain in quarantine until she's instructed to do otherwise, and will figure out her next steps when she has the facts she needs.

Matthews also had some commentary about America's response to the pandemic, and she explained why she was able to receive her diagnosis. "Our country is very behind, and we don't have much of a system in place," she continued. "I only got tested because I had been around a confirmed case and had been showing symptoms." 

Matthews promised to post additional information that her followers might find helpful, and she advised them to hydrate, rest, and stay home.

When popular fashion influencer Arielle Charnas of Something Navy started feeling super ill, she took to social media to share her anxieties about it. "It's been 4 days since I started feeling incredibly sick," she wrote in a post on her Instagram page. She added, "I'm so happy my fever is gone but the body pain that I'm feeling today is unlike anything else." 

Shortly thereafter, Charnas revealed in another Instagram post that she had indeed been diagnosed with coronavirus, and she admonished the government to do something about the pandemic. "It is the responsibility of our government offices to ensure all Americans can access necessary tests," she noted in the post. "I acknowledge how lucky I am to have had that access."

Charnas also said that her husband had been feeling unwell, but noted that her children had not been showing any symptoms of coronavirus.

On March 13, 2020, CNN reported that Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, wife of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, had tested positive for COVID-19. This was after she'd been experiencing mild symptoms of the virus, though she wasn't feeling super sick.

Insofar as how her husband was faring, doctors determined that he didn't need a test as he wasn't down for the count. "The Prime Minister is in good health with no symptoms," his office said in a statement. "As a precautionary measure and following the advice of doctors, he will be in isolation for a planned period of 14 days."

To that end, doctors also said that anyone who'd been in close contact with Prime Minister Trudeau wasn't at risk of contracting coronavirus, as he hadn't developed any symptoms. That's good news for fellow politicians and others with whom he works on a regular basis.

Actor Daniel Dae Kim was filming on location in New York City when news of the coronavirus began to spread, subsequently shutting down many sets, including his. Ironically, he was playing a doctor responding to a flu outbreak in New Amsterdam, which he mentioned in a lengthy video on his Instagram page. 

Feeling healthy and well, Kim decided to head home to Hawaii where he lives to be with his family, but before his flight landed he started feeling slightly ill. Upon landing, he immediately went to his home and self-isolated and, at the recommendation of his doctor, got tested for the novel coronavirus. Unfortunately, the test came back positive. Thankfully, though, with rest and proper treatment, Kim revealed he's feeling much better.

While Kim had a lot to say in his recording, he had an especially important request in addition to observing proper hygiene. "Please stop the prejudiced and senseless violence against Asian people," he begged. "Randomly beating elderly, sometimes homeless Asian-Americans is cowardly, heartbreaking, and it's inexcusable."

It's not just adults and older people who are testing positive for COVID-19. In fact, rising pop star Charlotte Lawrence revealed in a post on her Instagram page on March 18, 2020 that she'd recently received a coronavirus diagnosis. And while she shared that she's eventually going to be fine, she also said that COVID-19 is going to impact more and more people.

Lawrence didn't ask for thoughts or prayers from her followers, or even well-wishes. Rather, she had some advice for anyone taking the time to read her post. "Think about your parents. Think about your grandparents," she wrote in the caption. "I love so many people who might have a very tough time getting through this."

Despite the enormity of everything, Lawrence remains optimistic that if everyone practices the CDC's guidelines for prevention, we can come out on the other side of this pandemic. "We have the power to slow this down," she added.

The Detroit Pistons became the third team in the NBA to have players come down with coronavirus, in addition to the Utah Jazz and the Brooklyn Nets, in mid-March 2020. Specifically, power forward Christian Wood tested positive for COVID-19, after playing games against the Utah Jazz a week prior, a writer and analyst for The Athletic revealed in a tweet. "A preliminary positive result came back on March 14," the Pistons said in a statement. "The health and safety of our players, our organization, those throughout our league, and all those potentially impacted by this situation is paramount."

Fortunately, Wood received care from the NBA's medical staff and is reportedly feeling fine. The player also self-isolated, and took to Instagram to spread an uplifting message in light of the diagnosis going public. "The darkest Nights produce the brightest Stars," he wrote in the caption.

On March 12, 2020, Watch What Happens Live host Andy Cohen revealed that, due to the coronavirus pandemic, future episodes of the show would be shot from a new location: his home. "Our show is arguably the most lo-tech show in late night in its current form," he shared with Variety. "So the idea of taking it down even further a few notches is just ironic and hilarious."

However, any plans to do that were later put on hold when Cohen discovered he himself tested positive for COVID-19. "As much as I felt like I could push through whatever I was feeling to do [Watch What Happens Live] from home, we're putting a pin in that for now so I can focus on getting better," he wrote in a post on his Instagram page. Cohen also thanked all of the healthcare workers who are working on the front lines of the pandemic, and urged people to stay home as much as possible.

Fortunately Cohen recovered, and resumed the show from his home shortly later, according to a post on his Instagram page.

Back in February of 2020, actress Debi Mazar said she and her entire family, which includes herself, her husband, and their two teenage daughters, came down with an illness that had them down for the count. But it was two weeks after that when Mazar really got concerned. She woke up with a fever and body aches, in addition to other symptoms. "I called a doctor/friend to ask if I could get the COVID-19 test on [March 16]," she shared in post on her Instagram page. "He said no, I didn't meet the criteria."

That didn't quite sit well with Mazar so when a friend told her she could be tested at a local urgent care facility, she jumped on the chance. Sure enough, she tested positive for coronavirus. "I'm hoping I've been through the worst of it already," she continued. "Today my lungs are heavy, but I'm tough." Mazar added that she's in self-quarantine as is her family, though they are not showing any symptoms.

Even though the NBA suspended its 2020 season in order to stop the spread of coronavirus, athletes from multiple teams were found to be infected with the disease. That includes Boston Celtics shooting guard and point guard Marcus Smart, who shared the news of his diagnosis in a tweet. "I just found out that I tested positive for the coronavirus," he said in the accompanying video. "I'm okay, I feel fine, I don't feel any of the symptoms."

While Smart isn't struggling with labored breathing, a fever, or a cough, he's still taking his situation very seriously and remaining in quarantine. "I can't stress enough practicing social distancing, and really, you know keeping yourself away from a large group of people." That's because you can spread coronavirus when you're asymptomatic and don't know you have the virus, according to the World Health Organization. Smart also implored everyone to wash their hands and cited the need to "get more testing ASAP."

NFL coach Sean Payton of the New Orleans Saints became infected with COVID-19, according to a post he made on social media. "I'm feeling better and fortunate to not have any of the respiratory symptoms," he wrote in a tweet. This was after he self-quarantined at home and got tested, on the heels of feeling fatigued and unwell.

Payton also warned people that social distancing isn't enough in and of itself to stop the virus from spreading, either. "It's shutting down here for a week to two weeks," he explained in an interview with ESPN. "If people understand the curve, and understand the bump, we can easily work together as a country to reduce it."

New Orleans is a region that's been particularly susceptible to coronavirus because of the Mardi Gras season. "This is an area that doctors are concerned about," he added.

While the U.S. Congress has been working on a relief package to help Americans struggling financially due to the novel coronavirus, some of its members have even tested positive for the disease. That includes Senate Republication Rand Paul of Kentucky, who broke the news via social media on March 22, 2020.

"He is feeling fine and is in quarantine," his staff wrote in a tweet from his official Twitter account. "He is asymptomatic and was tested out of an abundance of caution due to his extensive travel and events."

While Paul is observing all of the protocols recommended to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the senator will be back to work as soon as he is able, per his Twitter feed. "He expects to be back in the Senate after his quarantine period ends and will continue to work for the people of Kentucky at this difficult time," his staff penned in another tweet. Paul's staff had already been working remotely for a week and a half so as to keep them safe from contracting the coronavirus.

While COVID-19 tends to be more dangerous for vulnerable populations like the elderly or individuals with pre-existing conditions, according to the World Health Organization, young and otherwise healthy people can still contract coronavirus.

That was the case for former Bachelor star Colton Underwood, who took to Instagram with some pretty candid details about his coronavirus diagnosis. "It's been kicking my a**, just to put it very bluntly," he revealed in the accompanying video. "The main thing is I can't even walk up a flight of stairs without being out of breath or go to the bathroom without having to sit down because I'm exhausted." Underwood said he doesn't want to cause anyone to panic, but instead wants people to stay home. 

Underwood further revealed that he began social distancing prior to receiving his diagnosis. He is is hunkered down with girlfriend Cassie Randolph and her family in Huntington Beach, California, so as he said, they're all in it together.

Given that large gatherings of people were deemed verboten in March of 2020, many musicians and bands had to cancel tours in an effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus. To that end, many artists took to social media to perform in an effort to fill the void, such as Miley Cyrus, Sheryl Crow, and Bruce Springsteen, according to Billboard.

Unfortunately those measures weren't enough to protect all musicians from COVID-19. That includes Bon Jovi keyboardist David Bryan, who broke the news of his diagnosis on his Instagram page. "I've been sick for a week and feeling better each day," he said in the caption. He urged his fans not to be afraid and assured them that he's been in quarantine and would be taking all the proper precautions before he returns to public life. "When I feel better I'll get tested again to make sure I'm free of this nasty virus," he continued.

Just as concerts were cancelled in March of 2020, so too were opera and symphony performances, according to Opera Wire. Yet and still, opera legend Placido Domingo couldn't escape COVID-19. He and his family self-quarantined after the star tested positive for it late in the month. "Currently we are all in good health but I experienced fever and cough symptoms," he wrote in a post on his Facebook page. "Therefore [I decided] to get tested and the result came back positive."

Despite his diagnosis, Domingo erred on the side of optimism, advising his followers to wash their hands and practice social distancing. He also told people to stay home if they are able to beat back the spread of coronavirus. "Together we can fight this virus and stop the current worldwide crisis, so we can hopefully return to our normal daily lives very soon," he added.

Not even royalty can give you immunity to COVID-19, as Prince Charles tested positive for the virus, according to a statement from Clarence House (via BBC). Fortunately, the Prince of Wales is only showing mild symptoms, and wife Camilla tested negative for coronavirus. "In accordance with government and medical advice, the prince and the duchess are now self-isolating at home in Scotland," the statement read. This was after receiving the diagnosis from the NHS in Aberdeenshire, where they were tested the previous day.

As to how Prince Charles was exposed to COVID-19? "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," the statement continued, noting that the royal "remains in good health."

If you were concerned as to whether or not Queen Elizabeth II has fallen ill, the word from Buckingham Palace is that she's "in good health." The last time she'd seen her son before his diagnosis was on March 12, 2020, nearly two weeks prior to Prince Charles' diagnosis.

When singer-songwriter Jackson Browne started to feel ill in March of 2020, he didn't waste time — he got himself tested for COVID-19 immediately and learned that he did indeed have the virus. "I'm presuming I got this flying back and forth to New York to do [the] Love Rocks show at the Beacon," he explained in an interview with Rolling Stone. "And now it turns out that several people who were at that show have tested positive."

While Browne's symptoms were mild, he still followed the recommended protocol and quarantined himself in his Los Angeles residence right away. Additionally, in retrospect, Brown said he would have gone about things differently. "Now, I wish I hadn't gone to New York and done this benefit," he continued.

Browne also stressed the importance of taking the coronavirus pandemic seriously, especially to young people, who can spread the virus without showing any symptoms.

On March 4, 2020, when retired NBA star Jason Collins arrived in New York for an event with the Brooklyn Nets, he was feeling fine. But a week later, Collins says he developed a horrible headache, and things only went downhill from there. "A few days later I had a fever and then the cough," he shared in an interview with TMZ. "On Saturday I went to the ER and got tested and spoke with some docs about the tightness in my chest." The verdict? COVID-19.

After having his lung scan turn up clear, Collins was able to leave the hospital and return home to rest — but he said he'd go back if things didn't improve. Collins also took a moment to thank healthcare workers on the front line of the coronavirus pandemic. "Please let's try to flatten the curve & not overwhelm our health care system," he shared.

You don't have to take a cross-country flight or have an extensive social calendar to wind up with a coronavirus diagnosis. That certainly was the case for rapper Slim Thug, who did everything he could to avoid COVID-19 to no avail. "As careful as I've been self-quarantining, staying home ... stayed in my truck, had masks, gloves, everything on, and my test came back positive," he said in a video on his Instagram page. "So y'all gotta take this stuff seriously." He said that perhaps he was exposed when he went out to get something to eat, which is a possibility.

On a positive note, Slim Thug said that his health has improved, though it was never severely compromised by the virus to begin with. "I'm good, I feel good, I don't got no problems right now," he continued. "The other day I had a slight fever and a cough, [but] I feel better now."

On March 12, 2020, in an unprecedented move, all of Broadway in New York City shut down in order to stop the spread of the coronavirus, according to the New York Post. But that wasn't enough to safeguard Broadway actor Aaron Tveit from contracting the virus, which he revealed in a post on his Instagram page. "I consider myself extremely lucky that my symptoms have been very mild — cold like with no fever — as so many are experiencing much more serious symptoms, because this is a very dangerous virus," he wrote in the caption.

While Tveit hasn't been nearly as sick as other folks with COVID-19, he did experience a possible indicator that he had coronavirus. "One thing I have been experiencing is the loss of taste and smell, which I think is a big sign for people who are otherwise asymptotic," he continued.

Even those in the highest levels of government aren't impervious to COVID-19, as Boris Johnson, the British Prime Minister, revealed in a tweet that he tested positive for the virus himself. However, Johnson doesn't seem to be too stressed out about his diagnosis, instead confident that both he and his country will be okay. "Be in no doubt that I can continue, thanks to the wizardry of modern technology, to communicate with all of my top team to lead the national fight back against coronavirus," he shared in the accompanying video.

Additionally, Johnson had kind words for the people on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic in England. "I want to thank everybody who's working to keep our country going through this epidemic," he continued. "We will get through it." Johnson also stressed the importance of adhering to protective measures, like staying at home, in order to protect healthcare workers. 

Johnson was later hospitalized as a "precautionary step," according to the BBC.

On March 26, 2020, Broadway actress and singer Laura Bell Bundy revealed that she'd been diagnosed with coronavirus after being tested by her doctor. "I am taking everything in stride," she affirmed in a post on her Instagram page. "I am taking all of the nutritional supplements that have been recommended by my doctor." Bundy added that she's also taking herbs as another line of defense against COVID-19, showing she's doing everything that she can to stay healthy. She revealed that she's also been self-quarantining since March 12.

Fortunately, Bundy said that her symptoms have been mild, which she credits to her excellent self-care regimen. But she also emphasized how important it is to take the situation very seriously. "I highly encourage everybody to stay inside," she continued. "My belief is that more people have this than they realize, and could be carriers."

While Bundy was able to get tested, her husband won't be, even though he's showing symptoms. 

On Tuesday, March 24, 2020, Cascada singer Natalie Horler took to social media to share some unfortunate news with her fans: She'd tested positive for COVID-19. But fortunately, she said her symptoms were fairly mild and that she was hanging in there. "All in all, I'm okay," she shared in a post on her Instagram page. "They said they think I'll probably have quite a mild development of it." Phew!

Although Horler had been self-isolating for quite some time before she got sick, she planned to step up her efforts even more in light of her diagnosis. "No more random supermarket visits, no matter how careful," she continued. "No wore walks, I'm just literally gonna get fresh air on the terrace, and that's gonna be it."

Horler returned to Instagram a few days later to say she was feeling better, and she doesn't anticipate that she'll take "a turn for the worse." She added that not being able to taste or smell anything was strange, too, as she usually enjoys eating.

In addition to the many harrowing stories that are emerging as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, celebrity chef Floyd Cardoz sadly lost his battle against coronavirus on March 25, 2020. The news became public via a statement from Hunger Inc. Hospitality, where the Top Chef Masters star was the culinary director. "It is with deep sorrow that we inform you of the passing away of Chef Floyd Cardoz," the statement read, as reported by CNN. We're so sorry to his friends, his family, and anyone impacted by his untimely passing at age 59.

Top Chef host Padma Lakshmi celebrated Cardoz's life on social media, recalling the kind of person he was. "Nobody who lived in NY in the early aughts could forget how delicious and packed [Cardoz's Indian restaurant] Tabla always was," she wrote in a tweet. "He had an impish smile, an innate need to make those around him happy, and a delicious touch." She added that this was an enormous loss, which indeed it is.

The world of acting lost one of its own on March 26, 2020, when veteran actor Mark Blum passed away from complications of COVID-19. He was remembered by Rebecca Damon, the executive vice president and New York president of SAG-AFTRA, in a tweet. "Those of us lucky enough to have known him will treasure our memories of a gifted actor, a master teacher, a loyal friend, and a beautiful human," she penned in the caption.

Damon also said that Blum would be remembered for his sense of humor, intelligence, and keen perception of complicated situations. "He always spoke the truth and did a great service in informing members of our community about the ins and outs of the union whenever he had the opportunity," she added.

Blum was best known for his roles in films like Desperately Seeking Susan and Crocodile Dundee, according to CNN. He was also a regular in the New York City theater scene.

On Friday, March, 29, 2020, '90s country icon Joe Diffie became the first country artist to go public about his COVID-19 diagnosis. "I am under the care of medical professionals and currently receiving treatment," he said in a statement, as reported by Variety. He also asked for fans to respect his and his family's privacy, and he implored people to be careful during the pandemic.

Sadly, Diffie was not able to pull through, even though he was only 61 years old. "Grammy-winning country music legend Joe Diffie passed away today, Sunday, March 29, from complications of coronavirus (COVID-19)," a statement from his family read.

Diffie was a staple at the Grand Ole Opry for 25 years, as noted by Variety, and he helped to usher in a neotraditionalist era in country music. He had over 20 songs reach the top ten in country music, and had two platinum albums.

If you're someone who pays attention to the news on a regular basis, you probably noticed that New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has been praised for his leadership during the coronavirus pandemic. In fact, his popularity is the highest it's been in seven years, according to NBC News.

However, that popularity couldn't protect the politician's brother Chris Cuomo from COVID-19, as he tested positive for the virus at the end of March 2020. "I have been exposed to people in recent days who have subsequently tested positive," he revealed in a tweet. "I had fever, chills and shortness of breath."

While Chris certainly wasn't feeling well, there was one prospect that had the potential to make him feel even worse. "I just hope I didn't give it to the kids and Cristina," he continued. "That would make me feel worse than this illness!" He added that he was quarantined in the basement of his home, where he's continued working.

Longtime Broadway actor Brian Stokes Mitchell wasn't joking around when he took to social media on April Fools' Day 2020, when he told the world he'd contracted the coronavirus. But despite the diagnosis, Mitchell was in good spirits, even erring on the side of optimism. "The good news is over the last few days I've isolated myself," he shared in a tweet. He also said that his wife and son have shown no symptoms of the virus, and thanked the both of them for all they've done for him. 

That's not the only silver lining Mitchell managed to find, either, as rather than complain about being sick, he instead spoke about his improving health. "The other good news is that for the last number of days, probably three or four, every day that has passed has been better than the previous," he continued. Hang in there, Brian!

Coming down with COVID-19 is bad enough in and of itself, but, for comedian Michael Yo, things were even worse. He was hospitalized for eight days with both coronavirus and pneumonia at the same time. "You know if you're watching the news that's the deadly combo right there," he explained in a post on his Instagram page. "Man, it was scary."

Yo went on to share the harrowing details of his experience while hospitalized, including the fact that he couldn't have any family members visit him lest he get them sick. But he also gave his profound thanks to the healthcare workers on the front lines of the pandemic, who he said are sacrificing themselves to help others.

Fortunately Yo was able to make it through to the other side, and is back at home in self-quarantine. "I appreciate all the love, the prayers, man," he continued. "It meant a lot."

Ali Wentworth may be a comedian, but the coronavirus pandemic is certainly no laughing matter for her. That's because on April 1, 2020, Wentworth took to social media after testing positive for COVID-19, and she shared that she was not in a good place at all. "I've never been sicker," she lamented in a post on her Instagram page. "High fever. Horrific body aches. Heavy chest." That sounds just awful, Ali!

In keeping with the guidelines recommended by the CDC, Wentworth made the decision to self-isolate to keep those around her safe. "I'm quarantined from my family," she continued. "This is pure misery."

Previously Wentworth posted that she was staying home as much as possible to slow the spread of COVID-19 and that she hoped others were doing the same. She also thanked doctors and healthcare workers for doing all they can to protect people.

While people over the age of 65 are more vulnerable to coronavirus than younger folks, according to the CDC, you can be any age and still get quite sick if you come down with the illness. That was the case for soap opera star Greg Rikaart, who tested positive for COVID-19 in March of 2020. "I am a pretty healthy 43-year-old who doesn't smoke, doesn't drink much, eats well and exercises regularly and this has been the hardest experience of my life," the Young and the Restless actor revealed in an Instagram post on March 23, 2020.

Rikaart went on to describe the symptoms he experienced, which included an 11-day fever, trouble breathing, and a pneumonia diagnosis. Fortunately he was able to put up a pretty good fight, and he said he's improving every day. "I'm confident that I have finally turned the proverbial corner and am fever free today for the first time since this all started," he noted.

On March 31, 2020, musician Chris Collingwood announced on social media that Oscar-nominated songwriter Adam Schlesinger had been hospitalized with COVID-19. "He's on a ventilator and has been sedated to facilitate his recovery," he wrote in a tweet. "He is receiving excellent care." The duo had founded the band Fountains of Wayne together back in the '90s.

However, the next day, news broke that Schlesinger wasn't improving as initially thought — instead, he had passed away. "Although he had been making some small improvements over the last few days, Adam's condition was critical and he was ultimately unable to recover from Covid-19 complications," a statement from the attorney for Fountains of Wayne read (via CNN). "He was truly a prolific talent and even more so, a loving and devoted father, son and friend." Our hearts go out to his friends and family.

Schlesinger was most widely-known for the hit Fountains of Wayne song "Stacy's Mom," which was released in 2003. He also won an Emmy for his work on the television show Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.

In April of 2020, singer and acrobat extraordinaire Pink tested positive for COVID-19, along with son Jameson, after they both showed symptoms. But rather than gripe too much about her predicament, Pink said she was lucky that she had access to a test, something that's been a huge problem in the United States. "It is an absolute travesty and failure of our government to not make testing more widely accessible," she wrote in a post on her Instagram page. "This illness is serious and real." Pink revealed that two weeks after her and her son's positive diagnoses, they tested negative for the virus.

Additionally, Pink decided to put her money where her mouth is, and she announced that she'd ponied up some cash to fight the coronavirus pandemic. "In an effort to support the healthcare professionals who are battling on the frontlines every day, I am donating $500,000 to the Temple University Hospital Emergency Fund in Philadelphia in honor of my mother, Judy Moore, who worked there for 18 years..." she continued. She also shared that she'd be donating $500,000 to the Los Angeles Mayor's Emergency COVID-19 Crisis Fund. Thanks, Pink!

Like many Broadway stars, actress Sara Bareilles had to stop working when theaters around the world went dark in March of 2020. Unfortunately, however, Bareilles later came down with coronavirus, but she was able to make a full recovery. "I am just thinking about all the people who are walking through this really tricky time and sending a lot of love," she shared in her Instagram Story, as reported by Vulture. "And just really grateful for every easy breath and every day that I get to be walking around."

Bareilles returned to Instagram a short while later, this time to clarify that she only had a "very mild" case of the virus and that she'd struggled for just a few days. She also posted a video of herself dancing to "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire to show how she's perfected her moves while in quarantine. We can't wait until you're back on stage, Sara!

Although she'd been keeping her distance at her home in London, Marianne Faithfull still came down with a cold. To that end, in order to take sensible precautions, the iconic singer checked herself into the hospital to get herself tested for COVID-19 — and received a positive diagnosis. "She is stable and responding to treatment," the singer's representatives told Rolling Stone. "We all wish her well and a full and speedy recovery."

In addition to being diagnosed with COVID-19, Faithfull also developed pneumonia, which is a complication of the virus, as noted by Mayo Clinic. Furthermore, because Faithfull is over the age of 65, she's especially vulnerable to complications of coronavirus, according to the CDC. It's a good thing Faithfull — who has battled a number of health issues throughout her life, including hepatitis C, breast cancer, anorexia, and substance abuse – got to the hospital right away!

On April 3, 2020, musician Christopher Cross took to the internet to reveal that he'd tested positive for the coronavirus. "I'm not in the habit of discussing medical issues on social media," he wrote in a Facebook post. "But I do so in hope this will help other people to understand how serious and how contagious this illness is." He added that this was perhaps the worst sickness he'd ever experienced. Fortunately, Cross was able to get the care that he needed at home!

The Grammy-winning artist then implored people not to fall for conspiracy theories or to spread the idea that COVID-19 is a hoax. He also advised people to follow the protocol set forth by the CDC in order to stop the spread of the virus. "Wherever you are in the world, let's all be kind to one another," he continued. "Only if we work together can we defeat COVID-19."

While COVID-19 may be all that folks are talking about and the first thing that's mentioned when you turn on the news, the virus has also impacted the people who bring us the news. Namely, CNN anchor Brooke Baldwin, who tested positive for coronavirus. The diagnosis took her off the air and sent her into bed. "It came on suddenly yesterday afternoon," she explained in an Instagram post. "Chills, aches, fever."

It's not as though Baldwin was engaging in risky behaviors, either — far from it. "I've been social distancing," she continued. "Doing ALL the things we're being told to do. Still — it got me." She added, however, that she's okay, and that she considers herself "one of the lucky ones."

Baldwin ended the post by tipping her hat to the doctors and nurses who are putting in the work to manage the coronavirus pandemic. 

If you're a fan of the band Duran Duran, there's bad news and good news to digest. The bad is that bassist John Taylor tested positive for coronavirus. But the good is that it didn't completely flatten him, which he discussed on his Instagram page. "Perhaps I am a particularly robust 59 year old — I like to think I am — or was blessed with getting only a mild case of [COVID-19]," he wrote in the caption. "But after a week or so of what I would describe as a 'Turbo-charged Flu,' I came out of it feeling okay." Thank goodness for that!

With so much focus on how bad the coronavirus pandemic has been, Taylor also wanted to share a little optimism, though the severity of the illness is not lost on him. "But I want to let you know that it isn't always a killer, and we can and will beat this thing," he continued.

Taylor added that he can't wait to be back on stage playing music again and sharing new work with his fans.

On April 4, 2020, the world learned that actor Jay Benedict had succumbed to coronavirus, via a tweet from his management team. "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear client Jay Benedict, who this afternoon lost his battle with COVID-19," they wrote. Benedict was known for his work in films such as The Dark Knight Rises and Aliens, as well as the television program Emmerdale. He would have celebrated his 69th birthday on April 11, 2020.

Benedict was remembered fondly by several celebrities on social media, including actor Pierce Brosnan. "He was a courageous man of handsome life force, that shone its light in every room he walked into, down every road he traveled," he penned in a post on his Instagram page. "He shared his joyful radiance of kinship with all who knew him." Brosnan also praised Benedict's acting abilities and sent his condolences to his family.

According to the CDC, individuals who are over the age of 65 are more likely than their younger counterparts to be severely impacted by COVID-19. Sadly, legendary singer-songwriter John Prine, a septuagenarian, tested positive for coronavirus. His family shared the news on social media, explaining that Prine had a "sudden onset" of symptoms and had been hospitalized. "He was intubated Saturday evening, and continues to receive care, but his situation is critical," they shared in a tweet.

While it was difficult for Prine's relatives to share the sad news with the world, they had an important reason to do so. "So many of you have loved and supported John over the years," they continued, "we wanted to let you know, and give you the chance to send on more of that love and support now." The post was overwhelmed with comments sending support and healing energy.

Unfortunately, Prine passed away from complications of coronavirus on April 7, 2020, according to Rolling Stone. He was 73 years old.

When Real Housewife Jennifer Aydin started feeling under the weather, she had her husband pick up a test for the coronavirus, even though she didn't have a fever. But sure enough, she tested positive, and she suffered from a variety of symptoms. "My days haven't been so bad, aside from a lot of fatigue and sleeping," she wrote in an Instagram post. "At night is when it's the worst for me because of the mix of sweating and chills."

Fortunately, it didn't take too long for Aydin to feel better, as she was on the mend by the tenth day. "I'm taking my vitamins and drinking hot liquids," she continued. She also thanked her husband for all of his help, as he looked after their children while she rested. 

Aydin also reminded her followers that we're all in this together and that we will get through it. Thanks for the positivity, Jennifer!

Reality television star Todd Chrisley may know best, but that didn't stop him from catching COVID-19. His daughter Savannah shared the news on social media, saying that she talked her father into going to urgent care, where he was tested. "Dad was diagnosed with the coronavirus about 2.5 weeks ago..and I have never been so scared in my life," she wrote in a post on her Instagram page.

A week later, Chrisley had his family take him to the hospital, as he had become extremely sick and needed medical help. "He stayed at Vanderbilt for 3 days and those were the hardest 3 days I think I've ever endured," she continued. "At one point I fell on my hands and knees and begged God to not take him..to not take my best friend."

Thankfully Chrisley rallied and was able to discuss his battle against coronavirus on his podcast, Chrisley Confessions (via CNN). And true to form, the Chrisley Knows Best star called the virus a b***h, as he was the sickest he'd ever been in his life.

When country star Sturgill Simpson fell ill on March 13, 2020, he had his wife take him to the hospital to get tested for coronavirus. However, at that time, the doctor who treated him said he didn't qualify for testing, despite the fact that he'd been on tour in Europe and was showing symptoms of COVID-19. 

But when Simpson was able to access a test a month later, he jumped at the chance to be on the safe side. "Yesterday on Friday April 10th, after almost one month without any symptoms, I received a call from the Nashville CDC stating that my test resulted in a positive detection for Covid-19," he wrote in an Instagram post. Fortunately, his wife tested negative.

Simpson also lamented the manner in which authorities are managing the outbreak, and he criticized the idea of opening businesses before the pandemic has been tempered. 

According to the CDC, it's possible to be infected with the coronavirus but show no symptoms and never get sick. That was the case for news anchor George Stephanopoulos, who got tested for the virus after his wife, Ali Wentworth, was diagnosed with COVID-19. "I'm one of those cases that are basically asymptomatic," he revealed to Good Morning America on April 13, 2020. "I've never had a fever, never had chills, never had a headache, never had a cough, never had shortness of breath." He added that, in a nutshell, he feels pretty good, though he had one day where he had a "diminished sense of smell."

That's in stark contrast to Wentworth's experience, as she fell severely ill because of the coronavirus. Fortunately, Stephanopoulos shared that she got had stopped running a fever and was able to start getting out of bed.

In early March 2020, all of the shows on Broadway went dark in an effort to stop to spread of coronavirus. But that didn't stop actor Danny Burstein from coming down with a bad case of COVID-19, which landed him in the emergency room. "I'd been coughing up blood for two to three days," the theater actor — who's appeared in shows like South Pacific, My Fair Lady, and Moulin Rouge! The Musical! (via Playbill) — penned in an essay for The Hollywood Reporter. "It was when I was on my hands and knees in the shower that I knew it was time to go to the hospital."

Once in the competent care of doctors and nurses at St. Luke's hospital, Burstein realized just how bad the pandemic was. "I was surrounded by death and I knew that the longer I stayed in the unit the greater my chances were that eventually it would be me the nurses were talking about," he continued.

Fortunately, Burstein made it out to the other side and returned to his home to finish recuperating. 

On April 10, 2020, legendary producer Kenny Edmonds, AKA Babyface, celebrated his birthday. But that was also the day he shared less festive news on social media: He and his family tested positive for coronavirus. "It's an incredibly scary thing to go through my friends," he wrote in a post on his Instagram page.

While Edmonds didn't go into much detail about what symptoms he had or what struggles his family endured, he did update his fans about the status of their recovery. "I'm happy to report we have now tested negative and are on our way back to full health," he continued. That's some good news!

Rather than dwell on the pandemic or give advice to his followers, Edmonds instead announced that he would participate in an Instagram beat battle with producer Teddy Riley. "Let's show them what Hip Hop/R&B music really means to the world," he added.