Tag: Health

Matthew Broderick's Sister Janet Opens Up About Being 'Close to Death' During Coronavirus Battle




“I must have had 200 people praying for me that night,” she said. “I know many people would be very angry to hear that, because you can pray for somebody and they would die. That’s absolutely true. Whatever was going to happen was going to happen. But I do know that I had an incredible amount of prayer from so many people.”

Matthew, 57, said in a previous statement on March 14 that the “entire family is grateful for the concern about, and the well wishes for, my sister Janet. I’m happy to say she is feeling much better and is on the road to a full recovery.”

The actor added, “we are all very appreciative for the wonderful care she received from the amazing doctors and nurses at Cedars-Sinai.”

As of Thursday, there are at least 243,729 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the U.S., with 6,164 deaths related to the virus.

As information about the coronavirus pandemic rapidly changes, PEOPLE is committed to providing the most recent data in our coverage. Some of the information in this story may have changed after publication. For the latest on COVID-19, readers are encouraged to use online resources from CDC, WHO, and local public health departments. To help provide doctors and nurses on the front lines with life-saving medical resources, donate to Direct Relief here.

Source: Read Full Article

WhatsApp warning: Fake coronavirus tips shared by millions on popular app debunked by BBC

Misleading and incorrect coronavirus advice and fake tips on how to cure yourself of COVID-19 have already reached millions of people via phone apps such as WhatsApp and Facebook. The BBC’s Zeinab Badawi has gone through some of the most obvious ones with the aim to debunk them and urge people to check their sources before sharing misinformation across their social platforms. 

She explained: “If a message is sent to a WhatsApp group of 20, then each of them shares it with 20 other people and this happens five times, it can reach more than three million people very quickly.

“Untruths can take many forms.

“One of the most common we’re seeing is copied and pasted messages being passed around on WhatsApp or in Facebook groups containing bad advice or fake cures.

“And because these are shared by a friend or trusted source, it’s not obvious who wrote these messages in the first place.

Share your lockdown experience with Express.co.uk

We would love to hear how you are coping with the coronavirus lockdown. Please send a video update detailing your experiences to [email protected] and we will feature the best ones. Clips should be between .30secs – 1min30 long and can be filmed using a phone, tablet or desktop.

LEGAL

By sending a clip you consent to us using your video in perpetuity on Express.co.uk and our social platforms.

“Often they’re attributed to a vague source like a friend’s friend who is a doctor, soldier, or works for the Government.

“For example, a voice note has been spreading on WhatsApp.

“In it, a woman is translating advice from a ‘colleague who has a friend’ working at a hospital on the Spanish island of Gran Canaria.

“Some of the tips are helpful: such as washing surfaces thoroughly. But the voice memo includes misleading advice as well.

BACK BRITAIN’S BRAVE NHS HEROES – CLICK HERE NOW

“The speaker suggests: ‘sunlight neutralises the virus’ and that coronavirus can be killed by taking ‘a sip of warm water every 20 minutes’.

“There is no scientific basis for either of these claims.”

She added: “We all want to share news that we think will help others, but before you do, follow these steps: has the story been reported anywhere else?

“Is it from a reliable source?

DON’T MISS:
Forget Houseparty, WhatsApp is still king during self-isolation [ANALYSIS]
WhatsApp update could be the most important ever in coronavirus crisis [INSIGHT]
WhatsApp group video call: How to group video call on WhatsApp [VIDEO]

“Has the photo or image been taken out of context?

“If you’re not sure, then maybe it’s fake.

“And you can stop that information from doing harm by not sharing it any further.”

In another example that was shared by millions on Facebook, a picture of a lion walking the streets of Moscow in Russia claimed Vladimir Putin had released wild animals on the streets of the Russian capital to ensure people would stay inside. 

The picture was, of course, fake. 

Source: Read Full Article

Coronavirus: Bill Gates branded the ‘Nostradamus of disease’ by hacker group Anonymous

Coronavirus is on its way to infecting a million people after more than 870,000 total cases were reported on Wednesday afternoon. Scientists worldwide are on the hunt for a coronavirus cure, with some funding support from billionaire and Microsoft founder Bill Gates.

The tech mogul, known for his philanthropic work, has warned as early as 2015 of future pandemics and viral threats.

BACK BRITAIN’S BRAVE NHS HEROES – CLICK HERE NOW

Speaking during a TED Talk, Mr Gates said: “Not missiles, but microbes, we’re not ready for the next pandemic.”

More recently, he wrote an op-ed for the Washington Post in which he urged the White House to issue a country-wide lockdown to prevent further deaths from coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

The billionaire’s actions have caught the attention of the infamous hacker group Anonymous, which issued an open letter to Mr Gates this week.

READ MORE

  • Coronavirus map LIVE: New hotspot emerges as almost 2,000 infected

In the letter, Anonymous claimed Mr Gates had advocated for strict measures, including a surveillance system that could track infected people.

Anonymous said: “In the midst of a historical pandemic, much of the world is looking to you for solutions, and it seems that this is no mistake, because you have positioned yourself as the Nostradamus of disease.”

Mr Gates recently suggested implementing a “national tracking system similar to South Korea” during an online Ask Me Anything (AMA) session on Reddit.

The billionaire also advocated for social distancing as a viable way to reduce the number of infections.

However, Anonymous said: “Now, as frightened people around the world are demanding solutions and looking to people like you for answers, you have advocated for some extremely draconian measures, including a surveillance system to track down anyone who might be infected.

We’re not ready for the next pandemic

Bill Gates

“Of course, all of this sounds like a necessary step in a global pandemic, and this virus is a very real threat, but in China and other places where these measures have been implemented, human rights violations followed quickly after.”

Earlier this month, Mr Gates announced he was stepping down from a key Microsoft role to focus on his philanthropic work.

The move also involved him stepping down from the board of Warren Buffet’s holding company Berkshire Hathaway.

DON’T MISS:
Is coronavirus punishment for Christian persecution? [INSIGHT]
Coronavirus app could diagnose COVID-19 by your VOICE [INSIGHT]
Was coronavirus prophesied in the Book of Revelation? [ANALYSIS]

READ MORE

  • Coronavirus UK tracker: Check how many confirmed cases in YOUR area

The billionaire now devotes much of his time towards the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation he set up with his wife in 2000.

The foundation has partnered with Mastercard and health group Wellcome to fund £16million ($20million) of coronavirus drug clinical trials.

Mark Suzman, chief executive of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, said: “The way forward will be informed by sound science and shared data.”

Dubbed the COVID-19 Therapeutics Accelerator, Mr Suzman said the initiative will “speed up R&D and slow down the spread”.

Because the COVID-19 pandemic is caused by a new strain of coronavirus, there is no known cure for the disease.

Coronavirus attacks the respiratory system with flu-like symptoms and pneumonia.

The initial onset of symptoms includes sustained, dry cough and fever.

Patients suffering from critical conditions are likely to experience shortness of breath and severe acute respiratory syndrome.

Patients in elderly age groups and with underlying health conditions are most at risk from COVID-19.

Source: Read Full Article

Will Coronavirus Be Gone by Summer? An Expert Provides Updates on the Pandemic


The United States now has the most cases of the new coronavirus, COVID-19, in the world, and the majority of the country is under strict stay-at-home orders to slow the rate of infection. As Americans approach one month since the start of intense social distancing measures, everyone is wondering the same thing: When will this end?

To get a better understanding of what people can expect from COVID-19, Dr. Robert Norton, a professor of public health at Auburn University and member of several coronavirus task forces, answers questions about the virus.

Will COVID-19 be gone by the summer?

“Realistically, I think it’s going to be going well into the summer in some areas,” Norton says.

While the outbreak will slow in major cities where people are getting it now, “there will be some places where it’s still circulating, so it never really leaves.”

He also expects that the virus will become seasonal, much like the flu, so even if it does go away in the summer in some places, it may come back again in the fall.

The hope is for eventual immunity that will stop the country from another severe outbreak like the one we’re currently experiencing.

If you had COVID-19, can you get it again?

“At this point, we have to say it’s possible,” says Norton, “but we don’t know the percentage of people that are going to continue to be susceptible.”

The hope, again, is for some amount of immunity that will create herd immunity.

“Currently, around 80 to 85 percent of people are not having to be hospitalized,” he says. “So those 80 to 85 percent of people, if they get an infection, they’re going to be more resistant. It doesn’t mean necessarily they’re completely resistant, because we really don’t know how the immune reaction is going to be.”

Norton says that we won’t know that answer for sure until after the major outbreak passes and scientists are able to do antibody testing, which would provide a clearer understanding of who has had the virus and how they managed the symptoms.

My friend and I have followed social distancing guidelines for 14 days and neither of us have had it. Can we see each other now?

It’s best not to, even if neither of you have developed obvious symptoms, Norton says.

“People can have very mild symptoms and may not realize that they’re actually infected,” he says. A simple trip to the grocery store could have infected one person, and they could unknowingly infect a friend and their family if they go to the other person’s home.

I’ve had the virus and recovered. Can I go out now?

Even if you’re doing better, everyone still needs to adhere to social distancing.

“The best idea is to stay at home,” Norton says. With so many questions about COVID-19 still up in the air, like if people do have immunity or if they can still be contagious after recovering, the safest option is to continue to socially distance.

Your doctor may also want to retest you, per CDC guidelines, to make sure that the test comes back negative before you rejoin your family. However, that depends on the availability of testing kits — which are still in short supply.

“So for right now, you need to stick to the CDC advisory,” Norton says.

As information about the coronavirus pandemic rapidly changes, PEOPLE is committed to providing the most recent data in our coverage. Some of the information in this story may have changed after publication. For the latest on COVID-19, readers are encouraged to use online resources from CDC, WHO, and local public health departments. To help provide doctors and nurses on the front lines with life-saving medical resources, donate to Direct Relief here.

Source: Read Full Article

Coronavirus: 13-year old becomes the UK’s youngest victim – what were his symptoms?

Coronavirus cast its darkest shadow yet over the UK yesterday, with the Department of Health recording 381 deaths in 24 hours, the biggest daily jump so far. In a heartbreaking moment that put a human face to these statistics, it was revealed that one of the victims was a 13-year old boy. Ismail Mohamed Abdulwahab, from Brixton in south London, died in King’s College Hospital early on Monday.

READ MORE

  • Coronavirus warning – the pain in your chest you should never ignore

In a statement released by a family friend, Ismail’s family said he had no apparent underlying health conditions and tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday, a day after he was admitted to hospital.

What were his symptoms?

Ismail’s family said he was admitted to the hospital in south London after he had begun showing symptoms and having difficulties breathing.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), shortness of breath is one of the main symptoms of coronavirus.

Based on the incubation period of MERS-CoV viruses, the symptom appears 2-14 days after exposure, said the health body.

It also advises seeking medical attention immediately if you experience trouble breathing.

What age group is most at risk?

Ismail’s death will understandably unsettle families across the UK but evidence shows that the risk to children is relatively low compared to adults.

According to a study of COVID-19 deaths and hospitalisations in mainland China, the overall death rate was 0.0016 percent in the under 10s compared to 7.8 percent in 80s and over.

The study showed only 0.04 percent of 10 to 19-year-olds required hospital care compared with more than 18 percent of those in their 80s and above.

DON’T MISS
Coronavirus warning – patient explains the very first symptom of infection [INSIGHT]
Coronavirus symptoms: Six mild symptoms of COVID-19 that shouldn’t be ignored [INSIGHT]
Coronavirus named: What does COVID-19 stand for? Coronavirus name meaning [INSIGHT]

These statistics should not encourage complacency, however, as the situation changes daily.

It is critical to observe the enforced social distancing measures to protect yourself and others against COVID-19.

What are the current social distancing measures?

The UK government has instructed everyone to stay at home to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

Until further notice, you should only leave the house for one of four reasons.

READ MORE

  • Coronavirus warning: Woman gives day-by-day COVID-19 signs

These are:

  • Shopping for basic necessities, for example food and medicine, which must be as infrequent as possible
  • One form of exercise a day, for example a run, walk, or cycle – alone or with members of your household
  • Any medical need, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person
  • Travelling to and from work, but only where this absolutely cannot be done from home

It is important to note that these four reasons are exceptions – even when doing these activities, the government says you should be minimising time spent outside of the home and ensuring you are two metres apart from anyone outside of your household.

In the meantime, there are things you can do to help reduce the risk of you and anyone you live with getting ill with coronavirus.

According to the NHS, you should:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
  • Use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
  • Wash your hands as soon as you get back home
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
  • Put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards

“Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean,” the health site advises.

The current setup poses obvious risks to your health but there are steps you can take to look after mental and physical wellbeing.

The NHS says to:

  • Stay in touch with family and friends over the phone or on social media
  • Try to keep yourself busy – you could try activities like cooking, reading, online learning and watching films
  • Do light exercise at home, or outside once a day

If you need help or advice not related to coronavirus:

  • For health information and advice, use the NHS website or your GP surgery website
  • For urgent medical help, use the NHS 111 online service – only call 111 if you’re unable to get help online
  • For life-threatening emergencies, call 999 for an ambulance

Source: Read Full Article

Coronavirus cure: Experimental treatment could stop COVID-19 from attacking lungs

Scientists are looking for a coronavirus cure as more than 800,000 people have contracted COVID-19 since November. Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) are at the forefront of the fight, developing new experimental treatments to tackle the crisis.

A team of MIT chemists is testing a protein fragment that could potentially inhibit the ability of coronavirus to attack the lungs.

BACK BRITAIN’S BRAVE NHS HEROES – CLICK HERE NOW

The chemists have used the short protein, or peptide, to synthesise a drug candidate.

Brad Pentelute, an MIT associate professor, said: “We have a lead compound that we really want to explore because it does, in fact, interact with a viral protein in the way that we predicted it to interact, so it has a chance of inhibiting viral entry into a host cell.”

The research, which is yet to be peer-reviewed, was published on the preprint server bioRxiv.

READ MORE

  • Prisoners released as coronavirus crisis hits Britain’s jails – MoJ

The coronavirus sweeping across the globe belongs to a family of zoonotic pathogens that infect both animals and humans.

The new virus has been dubbed SARS-CoV-2 because of its similarities to the SARS coronavirus from 2002 to 2003.

The pathogen attacks the respiratory system with flu-like symptoms that can develop into pneumonia.

Patients often suffer from sustained, dry cough and fever.

In more severe cases, patients will experience breathing difficulties and severe acute respiratory syndrome.

Unfortunately, there is no treatment or cure for the new coronavirus strain.

We have confidence that we know exactly where this molecule is interacting

Brad Pentelute, MIT

Instead, hospitals treat patients for their symptoms, which typically manifest within 14 days of infection.

In a number of cases, coronavirus infections can go unnoticed with no outward symptoms.

SARS-CoV-2 studies have found the pathogen has so-called spike proteins protruding from its body.

DON’T MISS
Coronavirus plateau: Are COVID-19 infections slowing down? [INSIGHT]
Was coronavirus prophesied in the Book of Revelation? [ANALYSIS]
Is coronavirus punishment for Christian persecution? [INSIGHT]

READ MORE

  • Coronavirus warning – the feeling in your nose that could be a sign

These proteins bind to a receptor found on human cells, called angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2).

The receptor acts as an entry point for the virus and has been responsible for the 2002 SARS epidemic.

Genwei Zhang, a postdoctoral researcher at Professor Pentelute’s lab ran simulations to determine how the CE2 receptor interacts with the coronavirus.

He said: “This kind of simulation can give us views of how atoms and biomolecules interact with each other, and which parts are essential for this interaction.

“Molecular dynamics helps us narrow down particular regions that we want to focus on to develop therapeutics.”

Professor Pentelute added: “We have confidence that we know exactly where this molecule is interacting, and we can use that information to further guide refinement so that we can hopefully get a higher affinity and more potency to block viral entry in cells.”

The coronavirus first appeared in China’s Hubei Province last November.

The virus is believed to have originated from an animal source but scientists are yet to confirm the theory.

Source: Read Full Article

Italy health official says nation hit ‘plateau’ 3 weeks after lockdown

Italy has hit a “plateau” in the coronavirus pandemic — just three weeks after going into lockdown, one of the country’s top health officials said Tuesday.

Dr. Silvio Brusaferro, who is chief of Italy’s national institutes of health, said the hardest-hit country in Europe has started to see the rate of new infections slowing down.

But despite the downward trend, Brusaferro stressed that it would be premature to lift any lockdown restrictions.

“The curve suggests we are at the plateau,” Brusaferro said. “We have to confirm it, because arriving at the plateau doesn’t mean we have conquered the peak and we’re done. It means now we should start to see the decline if we continue to place maximum attention on what we do every day.”

There were 4,053 new COVID-19 cases announced on Tuesday compared with 4,050 the previous day, officials said.

Italy has reported more than 101,000 infections, causing at least 12,000 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University.

But Brusaferro acknowledged Tuesday that the death toll is likely higher than the official figures, which don’t include people who died at home, in nursing homes and those who were infected by the virus but not tested.

“It is plausible that deaths are underestimated,” he said.

“We report deaths that are signaled with a positive swab. Many other deaths are not tested with a swab.”

With Post wires

Source: Read Full Article

Cancer symptoms: Feeling or being sick could signal this type of cancer

Cancer is an umbrella term for a range of diseases whereby cells in a specific part of the body grow and reproduce uncontrollably. The cancerous cells can invade and destroy surrounding healthy tissue, including organs. When your body undergoes these changes, it can produce a number of outward signs.

READ MORE

  • Pancreatic cancer: Wife reveals symptoms of the disease to spot

One noticeable warning sign is feeling or being sick.

This unsettling symptom can be indicative of stomach cancer, a disease characterised by a growth of cancerous cells within the lining of the stomach.

How can stomach cancer cause nausea?

According to Cancer Research UK, stomach cancer can cause a small blockage in the stomach.

“This stops food from passing through your digestive symptom which can make you feel or be sick,” explains the charity.

The vomit may contain blood, although this is rare, notes the health body.

It explains: “You may not be able to see any blood if it is small amounts. The blood might be bright red, which means it is fresh bleeding.

“Or it may look dark brown, like used coffee grounds, if the blood has been in the stomach for a while.”

It is important to note that this symptom is also associated with stomach ulcers, open sores that develop on the lining of the stomach.

DON’T MISS
Coronavirus warning: The one thing you should avoid doing while in lockdown [INSIGHT]
Coronavirus named: What does COVID-19 stand for? Coronavirus name meaning [INSIGHT]
Coronavirus symptoms: Five signs you may have already had the COVID-19 infection [INSIGHT]

Other symptoms associated with stomach cancer

According to the NHS, other obvious warning signs include:

  • Losing weight without trying to
  • Having problems swallowing (dysphagia)
  • A lump at the top of your tummy
  • Others might be harder to spot, such as:
  • Heartburn or acid reflux
  • Loss of appetite
  • Symptoms of indigestion, such as burping a lot
  • Feeling full very quickly when eating
  • Pain at the top of your tummy
  • Feeling tired or having no energy

As the NHS points out, you may find you get used to these symptoms, but it’s important to be checked by a GP if your symptoms change, get worse, or do not feel normal for you.

The health site also acknowledges these symptoms are very common and can be caused by a number of different conditions, but it’s important to get them checked by a GP.

READ MORE

  • Prostate cancer symptoms: Warning sign of the disease in your eyes

“This is because if they’re caused by cancer, finding it early makes it more treatable,” it explains.

Am I at risk?

Your risk of developing stomach cancer depends on many things including your age and lifestyle.

For example, stomach cancer is more prevalent in older people.

According to Cancer Research UK, around half of stomach cancers develop in people aged 75 or over.

Unhealthy lifestyle habits have also been linked to an increased risk of developing stomach cancer.

Around one in five of stomach cancers in the UK is linked to smoking, says Cancer Research UK.

What’s more, your risk increases with the number of cigarettes smoked a day, warns the charity.

“It is never too late to stop smoking but the sooner you stop the better,” it adds.

Source: Read Full Article

Hair loss treatment – the best vegetable to lower your risk of alopecia

Hair loss can be a natural part of the ageing process, and most of the time, it’s nothing to worry about. We can even lose up to 100 hairs on our bodies every day, without even noticing. But, sometimes losing your hair can be upsetting, and you may want to try your hand at some natural treatments.

One of the best ways to lower your chances of hair loss is to eat more spinach, it’s been claimed.

Adding more spinach to your diet is an easy to wait to improve the overall health of your hair, according to registered dietitian Ryan Raman.

In particular, spinach contains vitamin A and iron, which both help to prevent hair loss.

Vitamin A is used by the body to keep the scalp moisturised – a key component of healthy hair.

JUST IN: Hair loss treatment – the vegetable juice that increases hair growth

Iron, meanwhile, is used by red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body.

An iron deficiency has been linked with the early signs of hair loss.

“Many people want strong and healthy hair, especially as they grow older,” Raman wrote for medical website Healthline.

“Although you can’t change factors like age and genetics, diet is one thing you have control over. In fact, consuming a diet lacking the right nutrients can lead to hair loss.

DON’T MISS

Best supplements for hair loss: Apply this natural oil to your head [LATEST]
Hair loss treatment: Floral oil to help with hair growth [TREATMENTS]
Hair loss treatment: An oil to increase hair growth [TREATMENTS]

“On the other hand, eating a balanced diet with the right nutrients can help promote hair growth, especially if you’re experiencing hair loss due to poor nutrition.

“Spinach is a healthy green vegetable that’s loaded with beneficial nutrients like folate, iron, and vitamins A and C, all of which may promote hair growth.

“Vitamin A helps the skin glands produce sebum. This oily substance helps moisturise the scalp to keep hair healthy.

“A cup [30 grams] of spinach provides up to 54 per cent of your daily vitamin A needs.

READ MORE

  • Hair loss treatment: The head massage proven to promote hair growth

“Spinach is also a great plant-based source of iron, which is essential for hair growth.”

Meanwhile, you could also lower your chances of hair loss by adding more avocado to your diet.

Avocado is rich in vitamin E; an antioxidant that helps to promote hair growth, he added.

It works by protecting the scalp from damage. Damaged skin can lead to poor hair quality, and subsequently hair loss.

READ MORE

  • Iron deficiency symptoms: The sign in your hair

Losing your hair isn’t necessarily something to be worried about.

But, on rare occasions, it could be a tell-tale sign of another medical condition.

You should speak to a doctor if you suddenly start losing your hair, or if you develop bald patches.

There are other treatments for hair loss – include transplants – but they aren’t available on the NHS, and you’ll need to pay for them.

Source: Read Full Article

Elton John-Hosted iHeartRadio Concert Raises Over $1 Million for Food Banks and First Responders

A slew of musical artists came together Sunday night in support of food banks and first responders during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic — and it paid off in a big way.

Hosted by Elton John, the virtual iHeart Living Room Concert for America, presented by Fox, saw performances from big-name musicians like Lady Gaga, Alicia Keys, Dave Grohl, Backstreet Boys, Billie Eilish, Tim McGraw, Billie Joe Armstrong, Demi Lovato, Camila Cabello and Shawn Mendes, during the time slot the iHeartRadio Music Awards would’ve been held if it hadn’t been postponed.

Others who joined the star-studded lineup included singers Lizzo, Ciara and Mariah Carey, plus celebrities like Russell Wilson, Ellen DeGeneres, Ryan Seacrest, The Masked Singer‘s Ken Jeong, Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone.

According to multiple outlets, including the New York Daily News and Deadline, the concert raised over $1 million thanks in large part to sponsor Procter & Gamble’s $500,000 contribution and a match from Fox. The money will benefit Feeding America and First Responders Children’s Foundation.

“I am hosting the @iHeartRadio Living Room Concert For America on @FOXTV TONIGHT!” John, 73, captioned an Instagram photo less than two hours before the broadcast, featuring himself and husband David Furnish. “@davidfurnish and I are standing by … 📹📹🚀🚀 We are raising money for @FeedingAmerica and @1strcf as we enjoy performances and contributions from some amazing artists!”

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

“With Deep Regret,” Elton John Postpones Several Farewell Tour Dates Due to Coronavirus

According to Forbes, John addressed the audience during the show and said, “I can’t tell you how important it is for you to take this pandemic seriously. Not long ago, there was another infectious disease that was ignored. Day in and day out, the disease got worse because we did nothing. Too many forgot about compassion and decency, so millions and millions of people perished from AIDS.”

“But this time we aren’t going to let that happen. So stay home for the ones you love,” he continued. “We hope this bit of entertainment can feed and fuel your soul. And maybe bring you some strength.”

The musical portion of the show kicked off with Keys, 39, who said, “I hope we remember how resilient we are. And how we defy the odds,” the New York Daily News reported.

Among other performances, Grohl, 51, rocked an acoustic version of his band Foo Fighters‘ hit “My Hero,” the Backstreet Boys sang “I Want It That Way” (impressively, from their individual homes!) and Carey, 50, belted out, “Always Be My Baby,” all in honor of those on the front lines of COVID-19 relief.

As of Monday morning, there are at least 141,995 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the United States — the most worldwide ahead of Italy and China. At least 2,486 people in the U.S. have died from coronavirus-related illnesses.

On March 19, Italy officially surpassed China in number of deaths related to the virus, and as of Monday, 10,779 people in the European country have died. Across the globe, there are now 737,929 confirmed cases of coronavirus and 35,019 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins. 

As information about the coronavirus pandemic rapidly changes, PEOPLE is committed to providing the most recent data in our coverage. Some of the information in this story may have changed after publication. For the latest on COVID-19, readers are encouraged to use online resources from CDC, WHO, and local public health departments and visit our coronavirus hub.

Source: Read Full Article