Tom Hanks shares coronavirus update and photo of himself with wife Rita Wilson while quarantined. The Oscar-winning star of such classic hit films as Big, Forrest Gump and the Toy Story franchise shocked fans and the public alike with his recent announcement that he has contracted coronavirus.

Hanks is currently in Australia and was diagnosed with the viral disease alongside his wife. The news came as the coronavirus (specifically the strain called Covid-19) continues to grow throughout the world. As a result of the disease’s ongoing expansion and its potentially lethal effects (particularly for the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes or respiratory issues), nations around the world have imposed strict measures on citizens. Numerous professional sports seasons have been suspended or outright cancelled, and in some places that have been hit particularly hard such as Italy, the entire country has been quarantined. As of this writing, Hanks and Wilson remain in Australia, where health officials are isolating them from the public until further notice. Because Hanks also suffers from type 2 diabetes, fans are particularly concerned about his well being during this uncertain time. For his part, however, Hanks has remained optimistic and upbeat, and continues to keep the world up to date with exactly how things are going.

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The most recent news from Hanks has once again arrived via his Twitter, alongside a photo of himself and his wife. Still very much in quarantine, the Saving Private Ryan star left a brief but inspiring message to his fans and the world, all while making it clear that while most cases of the virus aren't lethal, we all have to do our part to ensure that those most susceptible to the dangerous effects are protected. You can see the photo below along with Hanks’ full message:

The message is clearly intended to inform as well as comfort, and Hanks manages both in his own inimitable way. Longtime fans are sure to appreciate the “There’s no crying in baseball” reference from the 1992 Penny Marshall film, A League of Their Own. In the film, Hanks plays Jimmy Dugan, a washed up former baseball player turned alcoholic who manages an all women’s baseball team. Less than enthused about the prospect of managing a team full of women baseball players, Dugan’s anger over a mid-game blunder causes one of the team’s players to cry, at which point Hanks makes the now classic declaration. In the particular context of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the statement can be seen as encouragement to stay strong and keep a level head in the face of so much uncertainty and fear. It’s exactly the sort of optimism that is needed right now, and very indicative of Hanks’ fortitude.

As more time passes and the effects of the coronavirus continue to take hold, it becomes clearer that the postponement of productions or the delaying of theatrical releases is a small price to pay in order to slow and eradicate the disease. In this way, Hanks is playing an important role in the pandemic, providing a calm, optimistic and sensible voice at a time where hysteria is all too often taking control. Hanks is right, too - there is no crying in baseball. And right now the ability to understand that is perhaps one of the most important lessons to be learned.

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Source: Tom Hanks