Covid-19: Coping with the Rich and Famous

How this Pandemic Touches Us All

By now, you’re probably aware of everything going on in the world: Covid-19 – formally known as Coronavirus – has been sweeping across the globe. Leaving panic and death in its wake, this virus is spreading quickly. People are scared, and this includes the rich and famous.

Preventative measures are being taken all over the world and our high-profile people are being affected just the same. Social distancing is keeping us apart and now more than ever, we need some positivity. We often look to celebrities, politicians, athletes and those in the public eye for guidance, or at least for hope. But in the face of this pandemic, I think it’s safe to say that the rich and famous are just like us.

Recent confirmed cases of high-profile people include actor Idris Elba as of March 16, 2020, former Bond girl Olga Kurylenko, Sophie Grégoire-Trudeau, and multiple athletes in European soccer and the NBA. Confirmed cases even include Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson. They are among the first confirmed celebrities to come forward with Covid-19, but luckily they are doing fine in self-isolation in Australia.

The fact that someone as high-profile as Hanks contracted the virus has had a huge impact on the general population that adores him. I can tell you that I was surprised that something like this could touch Tom Hanks. The seriousness of this virus suddenly became a reality because I realized that no one is safe from it. Now that more celebrities and high-profile people are coming forward as positive, it shows us that Covid-19 can spread even to the revered and wealthy. No one is untouchable.

On a note that is closer to home, the Prime Minister’s wife is amongst the many Canadians who tested positive for Covid-19. As the Canadian PM, he is supposed to be the pinnacle of hope to the nation and the fact that his wife contracted Covid-19 makes me stress out more than I thought possible.

With Italy being in the direst situation, the population is trying to find ways to cope with the outbreak and keep their people safe. The entire situation in Italy is heartbreaking but from the videos I’ve seen of the general population, people are coming together and singing from their balconies, literally.

Italian soccer players Lorenzo Insigne and Ciro Immobile share in this uplifting spirit. Both are prominent figures in their respective clubs of Napoli and Lazio FC and with their soccer season postponed, they are sharing their own ways to cope, giving hope to their seas of fans.

On that positive note, tons of celebrities are reaching out and using their influence for good. From donations to uplifting social media posts, they’re really showing their support.

My personal favourites are Lizzo’s “meditation and mantra to promote healing during this global crisis” and Ellen’s struggle to complete a 4000-piece puzzle.

As the disease continues to spread, the general population is engaging in speed-shopping and buying up everything. Toilet paper and hand sanitizer have become scarce and when one person panics, it spreads. I can’t even find a decent snack on the shelves. But regular people aren’t the only ones freaking out. There are definitely some celebrities who haven’t handled this situation with grace. A couple of examples of panic-buying celebs include Rebel Wilson, Madison Beer, and Felicity Huffman. They were all spotted stocking up for self-isolation as the state of California confirmed more than 2000 cases.

While most people are taking this pandemic very seriously, some are not. I’m not shocked that there are people not following the rules or coming up with their own theories, but to hear blatant negativity from a celebrity is downright baffling. Vanessa Hudgens happens to be one of these celebrities. On March 16, 2020, she recorded herself making horrible comments on the Covid-19 pandemic. She claims that “People are going to die, which is terrible, but like… inevitable?” People were quick to call her out on her insensitivity and her privileged life.

Hudgens was not alone in her negative view of Covid-19. Television star, Evangeline Lilly also did not believe in the seriousness of this pandemic.

She ignored quarantine suggestions and brought her children to camp claiming, "some people value their lives over freedom, some people value freedom over their lives."

After some severe backlash, both celebrities have apologized, but I don’t think a simple apology can erase the damage that’s already been done.

Dealing with such a massive outbreak touches everyone. As this virus spreads easily and quickly, it is crucial that we act now in order to prevent further spread. People have a responsibility to cooperate. And celebrities have a responsibility to help minimize the damage with what they have to say. They’re listened to, and a source of reassurance for many. At a time like this, I think we need to come together – or rather stay away from each other – in order to overcome this pandemic. We are all in this together, celebrity or not.

CULTURVERSERS, we all need to stick together right now. We are here for you! How are you dealing with this pandemic?