Celebrities spread safety advice over coronavirus threat

Looks like the celebrities have things under control in dishing out advice and protecting themselves from the coronavirus outbreak that has affected more than 110,000 people globally and resulted in 3,831 deaths as of March 9. As governments scramble to place travel restrictions, while airlines play their parts in disinfecting planes, celebrities across Hollywood and Bollywood have taken it upon themselves spread the word, donate for the cause and provide information through social media channels. There are several who are stepping up to fight the good fight in ways they can. Here’s a look at what stars across the board are doing.

American singer Katy Perry posted a video on Chinese microblogging site, where she sent out a message of concern for everyone in the Asian country who has been affected by Covid-19 and are facing restrictions. “I just wanted to let you know that we are all with you at this time, fighting. Stay healthy, positive... as best as you can. We are sending our prayers and we will get through this.”

Earlier, Bollywood actor Aamir Khan also sent out a special message to his fans in China in light of the coronavirus outbreak. The actor posted a video, lending emotional support to his fans and requesting them to put their faith in the system that all was being done to ensure the health and safety of everyone in the country. In the 1.12-second video, which Khan posted on Sina Weibo, the actor is heard lauding the efforts of the authorities who are fighting to contain the virus.

Fashion designer Donatella Versace lent her support for the victims of coronavirus by donating ¥1 million RMB to the Chinese Red Cross Foundation. “My heart goes out to those affected by the coronavirus and their families,” the Versace chief creative officer said in a statement, urging others to follow suit.

British supermodel Naomi Campbell re-shared her, err, interesting video of how she disinfects her seat every time she travels by air. The video, which was actually uploaded on her YouTube channel in July last year, was shared once again by the 49-year-old on her Instagram to give a lesson in hygiene, we guess.

Singer Justin Bieber also showed solidarity for his fans in China by donating 200,000 RMB to the Beijing Chunmiao Charity Foundation. In an accompanying post, which he shared on Instagram, Bieber wrote: “Watching the news I couldn’t imagine how scary it would be if a new disease was effecting my wife and my family and friends. China we stand with you as a collective humanity and have made a donation to support. Whether it be this or the fires of Australia we all need to be there for each other.”

‘Contagion’ actress and Goop founder Gwyneth Paltrow shared a selfie with a face mask last week on social media, where she mentioned she was travelling to Paris at the time. In an accompanying post, the actress stated: “En route to Paris. Paranoid? Prudent? Panicked? Placid? Pandemic? Propaganda? Paltrow’s just going to go ahead and sleep with this thing on the plane. I’ve already been in this movie. Stay safe. Don’t shake hands. Wash hands frequently.”

Hollywood actress Kate Hudson simply spread the word by posting a selfie from an aircraft while wearing a surgical mask. The accompanying caption stated: “Travel. 2020.” The image prompted a comment from user nursetravellife, who posted: “If your worried about corona…only the N95 mask will protect you..that one won’t do much...just saying [sic].”

Early in February, Bollywood actress Parineeti Chopra drew flak from social media users when she posted a selfie with a face mask, with the post: “Sad, but I guess this is the situation now. Stay safe guys. #Coronavirus #StaySafe” The flak was for spreading panic when it didn’t exist. However, all that changed by March.

Model Bella Hadid, who stormed the runway at Paris Fashion Week this month, also used social media to post a selfie with a face mask.

Reality TV star Kim Kardashian West used her Instagram for a little show and tell to show off a Judy emergency kit that was gifted to her by publicist turned reality star Simon Huck. The company, according to Page Six, provides dust and air masks, while limiting supplies to three per customer.