Less than 24 hours have surpassed since news broke that the NBA was suspended indefinitely, and people are now beginning to take the virus more seriously.
More national sports leagues have been suspended in the wake of the outbreak that’s showing no signs of slowing down.
Major League Soccer posted to its social media that the organization will be suspended for the next 30 days.
According to ESPN, Major League Baseball suspended the remainder of spring training and announced a delay ahead of the regular season.
The National Hockey League has also followed suit, suspending its current season amidst the outbreak.
“The NHL has been attempting to follow the mandates of health experts and local authorities while preparing for any possible developments without taking premature or unnecessary measures,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. “However, following last night’s news that an NBA player has tested positive for coronavirus — and given that our leagues share so many facilities and locker rooms and it now seems likely that some member of the NHL community would test positive at some point — it is no longer appropriate to try to continue to play games at this time.”
The NCAA also canceled this year’s March Madness tournament, after the Big Ten, SEC and American Conferences canceled all tournaments.
Celebrities have also begun speaking out against the virus as it grows sporadically out of control.
Model and actress Naomi Campbell took to social media to post pictures of her wearing protective gear to prevent catching the virus, captioning it “safety first,” while teasing a video tutorial coming to her YouTube soon.
Actor Tom Hanks and wife Rita Wilson broke the internet last night when Hanks posted to social media that the duo had tested positive for the Coronavirus.
“Hello, folks. Rita and I are down here in Australia. We felt a bit tired like we had colds, and some body aches. Rita had some chills that came and went. Slight fevers too. To play things right, as is needed in the world right now, we were tested for the Coronavirus, and were found to be positive,” he wrote.
Their son, Chet Hanks, took to Instagram to post a video message on behalf of his parents.
“I don’t think it’s anything to be too worried about. I appreciate everyone’s concern and the well wishes. I think it’s all going to be alright. I appreciate it. Everybody stay safe out there. Much love,” he said in the video.
Following the NBA suspension, some of the league’s top players took to social media to voice their opinions.
“Man, we canceling sporting events, school, office work, etc., etc. What we really need to cancel is 2020,” LeBron James wrote on Twitter. “Damn, it’s been a rough 3 months. God bless and stay safe.”
Both Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell of Utah Jazz spoke out on Instagram after testing positive for the virus.
“The first and most important thing is I would like to publicly apologize to the people that I may have endangered. At the time, I had no idea I was even infected. I was careless and make no excuse,” Gobert said.
“We are all learning more about the seriousness of this situation, and hopefully, people can continue to educate themselves and realize that they need to behave responsibly both for their own health and for the well being of those around them,” Mitchell wrote.
Stephen Curry also shared his opinion on the current status of the coronavirus outbreak.
“2020 ain’t it,” Curry wrote in a Tweet. “Don’t know what to compare this situation to…just gotta buckle up and take care of yourself and those around you. Basketball will be back at some point, but right now, protect yourself and stay safe out there!”
R&B singer Tinashe took to Instagram to warn her fans to stay safe during this time.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
“Stay safe and stream Songs For You,” the singer wrote as she uploaded the cover to her latest project that’s been photoshopped to add gloves and a face mask on the ‘2 On’ singer.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Spiritual healer and TV personality Iyanla Vanzant also posted a video message to warn of ways to stay safe and calm during these trying times.
“I’m increasing my intake of oregano oil, because I know it kills parasites in my body and my system,” she explained. “Things that will help your body and your immune system stay strong. So that you don’t have to be in fear, instead of being in reaction, let’s be in pro-action. Take care of yourself. Rest. Rest. Get some rest. Drink lots of water. Stay focused, pray, and affirm.”
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Safety First NEXT LEVEL. Thank you @lindaevangelista Full video coming on my YouTube soon…
The virus has also caused many festivals nationwide to be canceled or postponed, as well, including Coachella, Jazz In The Gardens, and SXSW. Hollywood events and community gatherings are expected to be canceled and postponed as well.
Broadway Theater performances in New York have been suspended through April 12, Live Nation has pushed all tours, Joel Osteen has canceled weekend services, Miami Youth Fair has been postponed, Carnival Princess Cruises have been suspended for two months, and several cites have canceled their respective St. Patrick’s Day Parades.
New York and San Francisco are banning gatherings with large quantities of people in attendance while Jersey city mayor has set coronavirus curfew on bars and nightclubs, while
The U.S. has also banned travel to European countries as the outbreak continues to spread there.
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