On March 11, 2020, Tom Hanks announced to the world via Twitter that he had been diagnosed with the coronavirus. This was before lockdowns started in the United States. At the time, Hanks and his wife, Rita Wilson, were in Australia where Hanks was on the set of a movie.

Hanks and Wilson were in quarantine in Australia while they battled with and recovered from COVID-19. Eventually, they were allowed to return home to Los Angeles.

Hanks’ battle was a wake-up call for many fans that the coronavirus was a big deal and could affect anyone, even a beloved movie star. Since Hanks’ battle, many other celebrities have fought their own fight against COVID-19, and some have not survived.

We’re still fighting the fight against the coronavirus in the United States, and while different states have different rules, there are a few recommendations that remain consistent. What’s interesting is that one recommendation, wearing face masks, has become a dividing point. Nobody is arguing that hand washing is a bad idea, and while some people don’t practice social distancing consistently, there isn’t a big argument about it. However, the recommendation of wearing face masks is not accepted by everyone.

One person who is definitely for the idea of wearing face masks to prevent the spread of the coronavirus is Tom Hanks. In an interview with the Associated Press, he said, “It is literally the least you can do.” He added, “If you can’t wear a mask and wash your hands and social distance, I’ve got no respect for you, man. I don’t buy your argument.”

Face masks are merely recommended in some parts of the country, where in other parts of the country, like Los Angeles, where Hanks’ lives, they are required.

 

The topic of face masks came up while Hanks was talking to the Associated Press about his new movie, Greyhound. Hanks not only stars in the WWII film, but he also wrote the screenplay, which is based on the novel The Good Shepherd by CS Forester.

Since many movie theaters are still closed due to COVID-19, Greyhound will be released on Apple TV instead of in theaters. Hanks told AFP, “We are all heartbroken that this movie is not playing in cinemas.” He added that because of the pandemic, “we’ve got to roll with these punches.”

Does it surprise you that Tom Hanks thinks it’s important to wear face masks? Does his stance influence your decision about whether or not to wear a face mask? Are you going to watch Greyhound when it’s released on Apple TV?

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