The deadly virus has killed more than 5,400 people and has infected at least 145,000 in more than 110 countries-including Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson-since it was first discovered late last year in Wuhan, China, which has had the most casualties. This strain of the coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, has also particularly affected Italy, South Korea, Iran, Spain, Germany and the United States, where testing is scarce due to bureaucracy.
The coronavirus has shut down major Hollywood productions and big festivals such as Coachella. Movie releases have been postponed. Broadway, other theaters, comedy clubs and many schools have shut down temporarily. Many jobs have allowed employees to work remotely.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has committed at least $105 million to aid the global response to the novel coronavirus. The money will be used to improve detection, isolation and treatment efforts, protect at-risk populations, and accelerate the development of vaccines, drugs and diagnostics.
RYAN REYNOLDS & BLAKE LIVELY -The couple pledged $1 million to Feeding America and Food Banks Canada. "Take care of your bodies and hearts," Reynolds wrote on social media in part. "Leave room for joy. Call someone who's isolated and might need connection."