Hollywood actor Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson have tested positive for the novel coronavirus.
Since arriving in Australia in late January, the couple, both 63, have come into contact with several local celebrities.
On Monday, Rita sat down for an interview with Today Extra’s David Campbell and Belinda Russell.
Revealed: How Tom Hanks and his wife, Rita Wilson, mingled with celebrities before testing positive for coronavirus – as the deadly pandemic strikes Australia’s media elite
As a result, David told 2GB’s Deborah Knight on Thursday that he and Belinda will be self-isolating and getting tested for coronavirus.
‘Belinda Russell and I will go get tested. We will make sure we are clear’, he said.
David explained he will be taking his three children out of school and keeping his family isolated until they’re given the all clear.
‘We will get tested’: On Monday, Rita (centre) sat down for an interview with Today Extra’s David Campbell (left) and Belinda Russell (right)
Recalling his interview with Rita, David said: ‘She came into the Today Extra studios on Monday and she was delightful and really nice and she didn’t have any symptoms of anything. She was cautious.
‘She actually made a joke coming into the studios, saying we shouldn’t shake hands, we should bump elbows. So we bumped elbows.’
David said he feels ‘perfectly fine’ at the moment and isn’t too concerned about the risk because he only spent ‘seven or eight minutes’ with Rita.
A Nine spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia: ‘Nine today has taken action in line with our crisis response plan around a visit to our studio by Ms Rita Wilson on Monday this week, for an appearance on Today Extra with David Campbell and Belinda Russell.
‘Our actions are in line with the guidelines set out by the Government and Health Authorities. Those who were in prolonged contact with Ms Wilson have been tested and are self-isolating for 14 days. Our premises is currently being thoroughly cleaned in all areas she visited and we are encouraging our employees to monitor their health and practice good hygiene… Arrangements for hosts for Today Extra are still being confirmed.’
Feeling fine: David (left, with Belinda) said he feels ‘perfectly fine’ at the moment and isn’t too concerned about the risk because he only spent ‘seven or eight minutes’ with Rita
After chatting to Rita on Today Extra, David thanked her for the interview and performance
Daily Mail Australia understands that a number of media professionals who have come into contact with Tom and Rita – including publicists, producers and bodyguards – are now self-isolating and getting themselves tested for coronavirus.
Tom has also been in contact with dozens of actors and crew members while filming Baz Luhrmann’s as-yet-untitled Elvis Presley biopic on the Gold Coast.
The cast includes Rufus Sewell, Austin Butler, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Olivia DeJonge, but it’s unclear if any of them are currently in Australia.
Tom has also been in contact with dozens of actors and crew members while filming Baz Luhrmann’s as-yet-untitled Elvis Presley biopic on the Gold Coast. Pictured: Baz Luhrmann and his wife, Catherine Martin, in New York City on July 25, 2019
The cast includes Rufus Sewell, Austin Butler (right), Maggie Gyllenhaal and Olivia DeJonge (left), but it’s unclear if any of them are currently in Australia
The Gold Coast Bulletin reported on Wednesday that Baz had shut down production, asking the cast and crew to stay home from work following Tom’s diagnosis.
‘Be assured we will keep you updated as that information develops,’ Baz told them in a letter.
‘We request all cast and crew stay at home today and not come to work. All work activity on the production is cancelled and will not resume until further notice.’
Tom revealed on Instagram on Thursday that he and Rita experienced symptoms including the common cold, body aches and chills before they decided to get tested
Hospital: Tom also shared this picture of what appears to be a medical waste basket in a hospital
On Thursday, Tom announced he and Rita had tested positive for coronavirus.
‘Hello, folks. Rita and I are down here in Australia. We felt a bit tired, like we had colds, and some body aches,’ he wrote on Instagram.
‘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.’
