Tom Hanks ‘TWICE as likely to develop serious coronavirus complications due to diabetes’ health officials warn
TOM Hanks may have twice the risk of developing serious coronavirus complications because he is a diabetic.
The Hollywood heavyweight, 63, who announced on Wednesday he and wife Rita Wilson contracted the deadly bug, is "twice as likely to develop serious outcomes", according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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The CDC addressed concerns in a press briefing and cited a report out of China earlier this month, saying: "Older people and people with underlying health conditions, like heart disease, lung disease and diabetes, for example, were about twice as likely to develop serious outcomes versus otherwise younger, healthier people."
"We are particularly concerned about these people given the growing number of cases in the United States as well as those with suspected community spread."
Dr. Nancy Messonnier, director of the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, recommended that people over the age of 60 and anyone with chronic medical conditions should prepare for a lengthy stay at home.
She told reporters: “This seems to be a disease that affects adults and most seriously older adults.
"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 , and were found to be positive."
He added: "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 requires.
"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!"
Tom's new movie - in which he plays the King of Rock and Roll's manager, Colonel Tom Parker - was scheduled to open on October 1, 2021.
Posting a video online, Chet, 29, reassured fans his parents were OK despite the news.
He explained: “What’s up everyone? Yeah, it’s true. My parents got coronavirus. Crazy.
“They’re both down in Australia right now because my dad was shooting a movie down there.
“I just got off the phone with them. They both are fine,” he continued.
“They’re not even that sick. They’re not worried about it.
“They’re not trippin’ but they’re going through the necessary health precautions obviously. But I don’t think it’s anything to be too worried about.”
He added: “I appreciate everyone’s concern and the well wishes but I think it’s all going to be alright but I appreciate it.
“Everybody stay safe out there. Much love.”
His brother Colin, 42, took to Twitter shortly afterwards to thanks fans for their support.
The actor wrote: “We are so grateful for the outpouring of support from everyone.
“My parents are receiving excellent care in Australia and are doing well (and in good spirits) given the circumstances.
“Despite the fact that I’m in LA and haven’t seen them in over three weeks, we have been in constant contact and am confident that they will make a full recovery.”
Tom, 63, has been in Australia filming an upcoming Elvis Presley biopic and said he started experiencing symptoms of the virus.
He said he felt like he had a cold, while his wife Rita, also 63, suffered from chills.
They have both tested positive for coronavirus, he said on Instagram.
HOLLYWOOD REELING
Tom, a two-time Oscar winner and star of films including Forrest Gump, Saving Private Ryan and The Post, is the highest profile Hollywood figure to be diagnosed with the Covid-19 virus, which is sweeping the world.
Moments before Tom posted to Instagram, Donald Trump addressed the US and announced a host of new measures, notably suspending all travel from Europe, excluding the UK, for 30 days starting from Friday.
The entertainment industry is also reeling from the outbreak and a host of major events have been cancelled.