Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson taking diagnoses 'one day at a time'
Rod McGUIRK | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 4 years, 8 months AGO
FILE - In this Feb. 9, 2020 file photo, Tom Hanks, left, and Rita Wilson arrive at the Oscars at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The couple have tested positive for the coronavirus, the actor said in a statement Wednesday, March 11. The 63-year-old actor said they will be "tested, observed and isolated for as long as public health and safety requires." (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File)
The cement inscription of actor Tom Hanks sits in the nearly empty forecourt of the TCL Chinese Theatre, Thursday, March 12, 2020, in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles. Hanks and his wife, actress-singer Rita Wilson, have tested positive for the coronavirus, the actor said in a statement Wednesday. For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms. For some it can cause more severe illness. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
A man takes a picture of the hand and footprints of actor Tom Hanks in the forecourt of the TCL Chinese Theatre, Thursday, March 12, 2020, in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles. Hanks and his wife, actress-singer Rita Wilson, have tested positive for the coronavirus, the actor said in a statement Wednesday. For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms. For some it can cause more severe illness. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
The cement inscription of actor Tom Hanks sits in the nearly empty forecourt of the TCL Chinese Theatre, Thursday, March 12, 2020, in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles. Hanks and his wife, actress-singer Rita Wilson, have tested positive for the coronavirus, the actor said in a statement Wednesday. For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms. For some it can cause more severe illness. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Visitors take pictures near the cement inscription of actor Tom Hanks in the forecourt of the TCL Chinese Theatre, Thursday, March 12, 2020, in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles. Hanks and his wife, actress-singer Rita Wilson, have tested positive for the coronavirus, the actor said in a statement Wednesday. For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms. For some it can cause more severe illness. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Tom Hanks said he and wife Rita Wilson were taking their new coronavirus infection “one day at a time" while Australian television hosts who had interviewed Wilson were awaiting test results Friday.
Australia has stepped up its response to COVID-19 by recommending people avoid organized, nonessential gatherings of 500 or more from Monday and to reconsider all international travel.
Hanks and Wilson have been isolated in stable conditions in a Gold Coast hospital following their diagnosis.
The couple used a social media post to thank "everyone here Down Under who are taking such good care of us.”
“We have Covid-19 and are in isolation so we do not spread it to anyone else,” Hanks said in a post.
“There are those for whom it could lead to a very serious illness,” he said. “We are taking it one day at a time.”
The virus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, for most people but can be severe in some cases, especially older adults and people with existing health problems. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover.
Two television hosts who interviewed Wilson in their Nine Network Sydney studio on Monday, David Campbell and Belinda Russell, were in isolation at home on Friday waiting on test results.
“Nine today has taken action in line with our crisis response plan around a visit to our studio by Ms Rita Wilson,” a Nine statement said.
“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,” Nine added.
Hanks had announced their diagnoses Thursday, prompting an outpouring of get-well wishes in Australia and Hollywood.
Hanks had been in Queensland state shooting an untitled Elvis Presley biopic directed by Baz Luhrmann. Hanks plays Presley's manager, Colonel Tom Parker. The film, slated for release in October 2021, has suspended production, Warner Bros. said.