Coronavirus: Public figures who contracted the virus [Updated]

The Coronavirus (Covid-19) has rapidly been spreading through countries and has killed more than 18 thousand people since it first originated in Wuhan, China at the beginning of the year.

So far, 902,715 people in 203 countries have been infected with the novel Coronavirus worldwide, according to Worldometers, an online publication that tracks the worldwide spread of the virus.

Also according to the publication, a total of 45,309 deaths have also been recorded as of Wednesday, 1 April 2020.

190,639 have also recovered from the infection.

Nigeria so far has recorded 151 cases and one mortality with two cases recovered.

Related: Coronavirus in Nigeria: Statistics, trends, reactions and the latest update

A number of celebrities have started to reveal that they have contracted the virus with many recovering quickly after.

 

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See a list of celebrities who have made announcements so far.

1. Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson

Recently, Hollywood actor, Tom Hanks and his wife, Rita Wilson, confirmed that they have contracted the virus.

They revealed that they both contracted the virus while they were in Australia shooting an untitled Elvis Presley film. He took to his social media pages to share the news, writing:

“Hello, folks. @ritawilson and I are down here in Australia. 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.

“Well, now. What to do next? The Medical Officials have protocols that must be followed. We Hanks’ will be tested, observed, and isolated for as long as public health and safety require. Not much more to it than a one-day-at-a-time approach, no?

“We’ll keep the world posted and updated.

“Take care of yourselves!
Hanx!”

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9qBEyjJu4B/

Following this news, more celebrities and public figures worldwide began to come forward with news that they had tested positive for the coronavirus disease.

3. Justin Trudeau’s wife, Sophie Gregoire Trudeau

The prime minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, has also disclosed that his wife, Sophie Gregoire Trudeau has contracted the Coronavirus after a visit to the UK.

He shared the news on Twitter, writing: “I have some additional news to share this evening. Unfortunately, the results of Sophie’s COVID-19 test are positive. Therefore, she will be in quarantine for the time being. Her symptoms remain mild and she is taking care of herself and following the advice of our doctor.”

He also added that he will also remain in isolation for fourteen days after his wife’s diagnosis.

4. Arsenal coach, Mikel Arteta

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9rhwGbJgQf/

On 12 March, Arsenal coach, Mikel Arteta, tested positive to the Coronavirus which prompted the team’s Saturday Premier League match against Brighton to be postponed.

Arsenal also closed down their training ground and forced players and staff to self-isolate after Arteta’s diagnosis.

“This is really disappointing but I took the test after feeling poorly,” Arteta says in a statement on Arsenal’s website. “I will be at work as soon as I’m allowed.”

5. Juventus player, Daniele Rugani

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Juventus player Daniel Rugani has also been confirmed to have tested positive for the Coronavirus despite not exhibiting any symptoms.

Rugani also plays for the Italian national team and is the first Italian player to test positive for the virus. The club confirmed the news via its social media channels and its website.

People who have been known to have had contact with Rugani are being isolated.

6. Basketball players Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell

Utah Jazz players, Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell, both tested positive for the Coronavirus, as announced by the team’s social media handles on the same day.

Shortly after, the NBA suspended all matches after previously announcing that matches would be played behind closed doors.

The statement reads: “The NBA announced that a player on the Utah Jazz has preliminarily tested positive for the COVID-19. The test result was reported shortly prior to the tip-off of tonight’s game between the Jazz and Oklahoma City Thunder at the Chesapeake Energy Arena.

“At that time, tonight’s game was cancelled. The affected player was not in the arena. The NBA is suspending gameplay following the conclusion of tonight’s schedule of games until further notice. The NBA will use this hiatus to determine next steps for moving forward in regard to the coronavirus pandemic.”

Both players are now in quarantine.

8. Chelsea player Callum Hudson-Odoi

Chelsea player Callum Hudson-Odoi revealed that he had exhibited flu-like symptoms on Monday morning and was made a priority to be tested.

Following that, he was confirmed to have contracted Coronavirus. Other Chelsea players were told to self-isolate after this news.

In a video he shared later, though, Hudson-Odoi told fans that he has recovered and was feeling more upbeat.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9qopm9h3vi/

9. Iranian vice president, Eshaq Jahangiri

Amidst the large scale outbreak of the Coronavirus in Iran, the country’s vice president, Ishan Jahangiri, has also been diagnosed with the virus.

The news was revealed on 11 March after members of the public began to speculate on the reason for Jahangiri’s absence from meetings.

10. British Health Minister, Nadine Dorries

Britain’s Health Minister, Nadine Dorries, who gained worldwide fame after her appearance on ‘I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here’ has Coronavirus.

She revealed so on 11 March on social media and also said she was worried for her 84-year-old mother.

She writes: “Thanks for so many good wishes. It’s been pretty rubbish but I hope I’m over the worst of it now. More worried about my 84yo mum who is staying with me and began with the cough today. She is being tested tomorrow. Keep safe and keep washing those hands, everyone.”

11. Begoña Gómez, the wife of Spain’s prime minister

Begona Gomez, the wife of the Spanish prime minister has tested positive for the novel Coronavirus. The news was confirmed in a statement by the Spanish government.

“The tests carried out in the last hours in Moncloa [the prime minister’s residence] on the people closest to the prime minister have tested positive in the case of his wife, Doña Begoña Gómez,” the statement reads.

“Both Mrs. Gómez and the president are well, both remain in La Moncloa and follow the preventive measures established by the health authorities at all times.”

This came days after the prime minister declared a state of emergency in response to the 1,063 new cases and 53 new deaths that happened in Spain in one day.

12. Basketball player, Christian Wood

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1KX8UqhDrN/

Basketball player Christian Wood has become the third NBA player, after Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell, to test positive for the novel Coronavirus.

NBA insider, Shams Charania, first shared the news and further revealed that Wood had come into close contact with Rudy Gobert, who was the first NBA player to test positive for the virus.

Making the announcement, Charania writes: “Detroit Pistons‘ Christian Wood has tested positive for coronavirus, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium. Wood had 30 and 11 rebounds against Rudy Gobert on Saturday night before a career-high 32 on Wednesday.

“Sources say Wood has shown no symptoms and is doing well.”

13. Prince Albert II of Monaco

The palace of Monaco announced on 19 March that its Head of State, Prince Albert II, had contracted the Coronavirus. They also added that the 62-year-old’s health was not worrying.

Prince Albert II, who is the son of former American actress Grace Kelly, said he was working from home and was being treated at the Princess Grace Hospital, which is named after his late mother.

He went ahead to urge residents of his Mediterranean principality to adhere to confinement measures.

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14. Luis Sepulveda

Best-selling Chilean writer Luis Sepulveda has revealed from his home in Northern Spain that he has tested positive for the Coronavirus.

According to reports, he exhibited symptoms of the virus in February after returning from a literary festival in Portugal.

The government announced that it had detected the first case of the virus in the region without revealing Sepulveda’s identity.

“The patient is stable. His wife, a 66-year-old woman is also displaying the symptoms and is being tested and both have been admitted to hospital,” the statement says.

15. Idris Elba and his wife, Sabrina Dhowre

On 16 March, Idris Elba shared a video on social media where he announced that while he was not showing any symptoms, he had tested positive for the Coronavirus. He revealed that he took a test because he came in contact with someone who tested positive for the virus.

His wife, Sabrine Dhowre, who had yet to be tested, sat beside him as he spoke in the video.

“This morning I 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. Stay home people and be pragmatic. I will keep you updated on how I’m doing.  No panic,” he writes.

This morning I 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. Stay home people and be pragmatic. I will keep you updated on how I’m doing ???? No panic. pic.twitter.com/Lg7HVMZglZ

— Idris Elba (@idriselba) March 16, 2020

Later on Sunday, 22 March 2020, his wife, Sabrina, confirmed during an interview with Oprah that she too had tested positive for the Coronavirus.

She further revealed that she wasn’t surprised by the news and isn’t showing any symptoms.

“We didn’t change the way we interacted,” she explains. “I could have made a decision to put myself maybe in a separate room or stay away, and I’m sure that people are making those decisions that are tough decisions to make. But I made the decision to be with him and still touch him.”

17. Olga Kurylenko

James Bond actress Olga Kurylenko, who appeared in 2008’s Quantum of Solace with Daniel Craig, revealed that she has tested positive for the virus.

She made the announcement in a post on Instagram and said she’d been feeling fatigued and had developed a fever. She also urged her followers to take care of themselves and to take the outbreak seriously.

Her words: “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!” she wrote.

18. Kristofer Hivju

Game of Thrones star Kristofer Hivju is one of the public figures who has tested positive for the novel Coronavirus. The Norwegian actor shared a video on his Instagram page to announce the news.

He also shared that he is self-isolating at home with minor symptoms. He urged people to stay safe and practice the necessary safety measures.

His words: “Greetings from Norway! Sorry to say that I, today, have tested positive for COVID19, Coronavirus. 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. There are people at higher risk for who this virus might be a devastating diagnosis, so I urge all of you to be extremely careful; wash your hands, keep 1,5 meters distance from others, go in quarantine; just do everything you can to stop the virus from spreading.

“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! Please visit your country’s Center for Disease Control’s website, and 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.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9zvkEHBRjf/?utm_source=ig_embed

19. Blaise Matuidi

Blaise Matuidi became the second player from the Italian football team, Juventus to be infected with the Coronavirus.

He tested positive on 17 March, nearly a week after his teammate Daniele Rugani tested positive too. According to an official Juventus statement, Blaise Matuidi has been in self-isolation since the announcement.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B93_GX-oUNd/

20. Paulo Dybala and girlfriend, Oriana

The Italy-based Argentinian footballer announced on Friday that he has contracted the Coronavirus. Dybala also plays for the Italian club Juventus.

Italy is one of the worst-hit countries by Coronavirus and has recorded over 7,500 Coronavirus-related deaths, according to Wordometer with 9,362 cases recovered.

Dybala shared the news on his diagnosis on his Instagram page while stating that he and his girlfriend tested positive for the virus.

He writes: “Hi everyone, I just wanted to inform you that we have received the results for the Covid-19 test and both Oriana and I have tested positive. Luckily we are in perfect conditions. Thanks for your messages.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-AUaXkquGH/

22. Marouane Fellaini

Former Manchester United player Marouane Fellaini has revealed that he has tested positive for the Coronavirus. Fellaini currently plays football in China, which is the centre of the disease outbreak.

He took to his Instagram page to share the news while revealing that he is back in China for treatment.

“Dear friends, I have been tested for coronavirus and my test result is positive,” he writes. “Currently, I am back in China and being treated in the hospital. I can assure you that everything is fine for me now. Thanks to the fans, medical staff and the club for their care and attention. I will follow the treatment and hope to return to the game as soon as possible. Please, everyone, stay safe”

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-CEIr-HWvY/

23. Daniel Dae Kim

‘Lost’ and ‘Hawaii 5-0’ star, Daniel Dae Kim announced on 19 March that he tested positive for the Coronavirus after showing symptoms.

He shared that he developed a scratchy throat and has now been self-isolating at his home in Hawaii after his positive diagnosis.

“Even though I’m smiling and upbeat right now, for several days, I was in bed,” he warns. “So for all those out there, especially teenagers and millennials who think this is not serious, please know that it is.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/B97DQshgJIN/

24. Colton Underwood

Former ‘Bachelor’ star Colton Underwood revealed that he has tested positive for the virus. He revealed in an Instagram video that he exhibited symptoms of the virus, got tested and was confirmed to have the virus.

He urged people to stay in quarantine in order to beat the virus. His words:

“I tested positive and I have been following all of the social distancing rules since last week. My symptoms started a few days ago, I was tested and just received my results today. For anyone out there that is hesitant to self quarantine… please do yourself and your loved ones a favor and stay home. We will all beat this and come out stronger on the other side. I’ll keep you posted, Love y’all.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/B99_BnqnqM0/

25. Andy Cohen

The host of ‘Watch What Happens Live’, Andy Cohen, has tested positive for Coronavirus, which he revealed in an Instagram post on 20 March.

He also revealed that filming for the TV show has been halted until he feels good enough to continue filming.

Writing on Instagram, he says: “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. I want to thank all the medical professionals who are working tirelessly for all of us, and urge everybody to stay home and take care of themselves.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9-LVMpBe9p/?utm_source=ig_embed

26. Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant, along with three other basketball players on the Brooklyn Nets have tested positive for the Coronavirus.

Durant said he was not showing any symptoms but is in isolation nonetheless. “Everyone be careful, take care of yourself and quarantine,” Durant tells The Athletic. “We’re going to get through this.”

27. Atiku Abubakar’s son

One of Nigeria’s prominent figure with a confirmed case of Coronavirus is the son of the former vice-president, Atiku Abubakar.

Atiku took to social media to share the news while revealing that his son is receiving treatment at Gwagwalada Specialist Teaching Hospital in Abuja.

His words: “My son has tested positive to coronavirus. @NCDCGov has been duly informed, and he has been moved to Gwagwalada Specialist Teaching Hospital in Abuja for treatment and management. I will appreciate it if you have him in your prayers. Stay safe, coronavirus is real. -AA”

28. Cameroon parliament president, Cavaye Yeguie Djibril

Cameroon parliament president, Cavaye Yeguie Djibril, has tested positive for the Coronavirus. Cavaye Yeguie Djibril, who reportedly lives in France, left his home for Cameroon after which he violated Cameroon’s quarantine guidelines.

The 80-year-old reportedly refused to be tested at the airport eight days ago when he arrived in Cameroon.

29. Harvey Weinstein

Disgraced film producer, Harvey Weinstein has also tested positive for the Coronavirus in prison and has been placed in isolation as a result.

The 68-year-old is serving a 23-year prison sentence for rape and sexual assault. His status was revealed by Michael Powers, the president of New York’s Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association.

Several members of the prison staff have also been quarantined following the news.

30. Bauchi State governor, Bala Mohammed

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, announced on 24 March that he took the test alongside five others and tested positive for the novel Coronavirus, otherwise known as COVID-19.

He released a press release through his senior special assistant, where he announced that he had contracted the Coronavirus.

31. Nigeria’s chief of staff to President Buhari, Abba Kyari

Nigeria’s chief of staff to the president, Abba Kyari, has also tested positive for the Coronavirus, as announced on 24 March. Kyari, who was said to have returned from Germany on 14 March reportedly flouted the self-isolation guidelines for returning travellers to Nigeria.

Kyari was said to have attended a meeting in Aso Rock on Saturday, 21 March, where he began to cough before he was tested.

He is now in self-isolation and is being treated for the Coronavirus.

32. Charles, Prince of Wales

The future king of England, Prince Charles of Wales has tested positive for the Coronavirus according to a report released on 25 March.

The 71-year-old is currently in isolation at the Balmoral Castle in Scotland alongside his wife, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, who has exhibited no symptoms so far.

A spokesman says: “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.

“The Duchess of Cornwall has also been tested but does not have the virus. In accordance with Government and medical advice, the Prince and the Duchess are now self-isolating at home in Scotland.”

Prince Charles tested positive just two weeks after meeting Prince Albert II of Monaco at an event in London.

33. UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson

The UK prime minister, Boris Johnson took to social media to share a video where he admitted that he had tested positive for Coronavirus.

In the video, which he posted on his Twitter handle on Friday, 27th March 2020, he says:

“Hi guys, I want to bring you up to speed with something that’s happening today, which is I have developed mild symptoms of the coronavirus, that is to temperature and persistent cough. And on the advice of the chief medical officer, I have taken a test that has come out positive. ”

Watch the video below:

Over the last 24 hours I have developed mild symptoms and tested positive for coronavirus.

I am now self-isolating, but I will continue to lead the government’s response via video-conference as we fight this virus.

Together we will beat this. #StayHomeSaveLives pic.twitter.com/9Te6aFP0Ri

— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) March 27, 2020

34. Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai

In a similar vein to Boris Johnson, the Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai revealed in a video which he shared on Twitter that he has contracted the Coronavirus.

The video was shared on Twitter on 28 March. “Earlier this week, I submitted a sample for the COVID-19 test,” El-Rufai said in the video.

“The result came in this evening, and I regret to say that it is positive,” he added.

KADUNA UPDATE: Malam Nasir @elrufai has disclosed that he has tested positive for Covid-19. He is in self-isolation as required by the case management guidelines of the NCDC for a someone that is not showing symptoms. pic.twitter.com/5lqfvWc4zv

— Governor Kaduna (@GovKaduna) March 28, 2020

35. Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State tested positive for Coronavirus while asymptomatic, something he announced on social media.

“I just received my COVID-19 confirmation test result. It is POSITIVE. I am asymptomatic and will continue to self-isolate, ” Governor Seyi shared on Twitter on 30 March.

I just received my COVID-19 confirmation test result. It is POSITIVE. I am asymptomatic and will continue to self-isolate. pic.twitter.com/SX6UAYBb0S

— Seyi Makinde (@seyiamakinde) March 30, 2020

36. Davido’s fiancee, Chioma Rowland

Davido’s fiancee, Chioma Rowland has also tested positive for the Coronavirus and is currently receiving treatment. She recently returned from London with their baby.

Davido took to his Instagram page to share the news, sharing that he and Chioma are asymptomatic but decided to go for the test anyway. While Davido tested negative, Chioma tested positive for the virus.

“Hey everyone ! I came back recently from America after cancelling the tour. My fiancé Chioma also came back from London recently with our baby. We had no symptoms and still both feel perfectly fine but because of our recent travel history, we decided to take ours,” he wrote.

“Unfortunately, my fiancé’s results came back positive while all 31 others tested have come back negative including our baby.

“We are however doing perfectly fine and she is even still yet to show any symptoms whatsoever. She is now being quarantined and I have also gone into full self-isolation for the minimum 14 days.”

37. Oumarou Idani

Burkina Faso’s Minister of Mines and Quarries, Oumarou Idani developed symptoms of the Coronavirus after returning from a conference in Toronto.

His communications team announced the news on his Facebook page on Friday, 20 March.

40. Alpha Barry

Burkina Faso’s Foreign Minister, Alpha Barry, has tested positive for Coronavirus. He revealed on 21 March that he has contracted the virus, without revealing any more details.

Alpha Barry is the fourth minister to test positive for the virus, as the country’s mines, education and territorial administration ministers all tested positive on Friday.

41. Pink

On Friday, 3 April, the singer, Pink, whose real name is Alicia Beth Moore, announced that she and her three-year-old son have gone into isolation after testing positive for Coronavirus.

She also revealed that she would donate one million dollars to two causes in order to aid the fight against Coronavirus. She wrote:

“Two weeks ago my three-year old son, Jameson, and I are were showing symptoms of COVID-19. Fortunately, our primary care physician had access to tests and I tested positive. My family was already sheltering at home and we continued to do so for the last two weeks following the instruction of our doctor.

“Just a few days ago we were re-tested and are now thankfully negative. It is an absolute travesty and failure of our government to not make testing more widely accessible. This illness is serious and real. People need to know that the illness affects the young and old, healthy and unhealthy, rich and poor, and we must make testing free and more widely accessible to protect our children, our families, our friends and our communities.

“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 in the Cardiomyopathy and Heart Transplant Center.

“Additionally, I am donating $500,000 to the City of Los Angeles Mayor’s Emergency COVID-19 Crisis Fund. THANK YOU to all of our healthcare professionals and everyone in the world who are working so hard to protect our loved ones. You are our heroes! These next two weeks are crucial: please stay home. Please. Stay. Home.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-il39tJ57d/

42. Placido Domingo

Spanish opera singer, Placido Domingo was hospitalized because of COVID-19 related complications.

He also announced the news on his Facebook page, saying: “I feel it is my moral duty to announce that I tested positive for COVID19, also known as the Corona Virus.

“My family and I are and will remain individually isolated for as long as it is medically necessary. Today we all enjoyed good health, but I presented symptoms of coughing and fever, so I decided to take the test and the result was positive.”

43. Chris Cuomo

CNN Anchor, Chris Cuomo, revealed on Tuesday, 31 March that he has tested positive for the novel Coronavirus.

The news was revealed in a memo from CNN to its staff along with the information that Cuomo was feeling well and would be working from his home basement.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-a2Op2JjXX/

44. James Dolan

64-year-old New York Knicks owner, James Dolan has also contracted the Coronavirus. Dolan is also the owner of the National Hockey League’s New York Rangers and is executive chairman and CEO of the Madison Square Garden Company.

He is the first known major professional sports owner in the US to contract COVID-19.

Final words…

So far, the people above have been diagnosed with the Coronavirus, with some dying from the virus including the 67-year-old Italian president of the Medical Guild of Varese who was hospitalized for respiratory failure due to Coronavirus.

Members of the public do not need to panic though. Best practices for protecting oneself from the Coronavirus have been outlined and they include hand washing, using alcohol-based sanitizers and staying at least five feet away from coughing or sneezing people.