JoJo remixed her debut single, "Leave (Get Out)" into a must-watch social distancing public service announcement that is catchy enough to influence people to stay the hell in the house. With Donald Trump recently declaring the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) a national emergency and local governments closing recreational businesses, limiting restaurant capacity, and temporarily closing public schools, the general public has been urged to only leave their homes if it is absolutely necessary. Now, with the governor of California, Gavin Newson claiming that 56% of the California population could possibly contract the life-threatening disease, hopefully, more public figures will follow JoJo's lead in encouraging their fellowship to self-isolate as much as possible. Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images
The now 29-year-old singer/songwriter took to her Instagram Story to unleash a myriad of coronavirus-themed remixes to some of her most popular songs. During the brief clip, JoJo stands in the comfort of her dining room as she graciously croons, the following reworked lyrics:
"You been out doing god knows what
Breathing and touching everyone
And I refuse to die
Imma keep my ass inside"
JoJo later continues during her feed singing:
"I never thought corona could be such a nasty bitch
But now that she’s here
Boy all I want is for you to use common sense
Stay in, right now
So learn how, to cook now
And practice good hygiene"
"Leave (Get Out)" might have been JoJo's first-ever studio single, but it allowed the songstress to make history as she became the youngest solo artist in history to top the Billboard Pop Songs chart at the tender age of just 13-years-old. The artist born, Joanna Noëlle Levesque also has a new project entitled, Good To Know (2020), expected to drop sometime this pring.
Check out Good Morning America's nod to JoJo's social distancing PSA remix of her hit song "Leave (Get Out)" in the video provided below and check out the singer's Instagram Story for more coronavirus-themed remixes, here.
Daniel Dae Kim Tests Positive For Coronavirus
51-year-old actor, Daniel Dae Kim, tested positive for the coronavirus.
On Thursday (March 19), Daniel Dae Kim revealed that he tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The 51-year-old actor has become a household name for his roles as Jin-Soo Kwon on Lost and Chin Ho Kelly in Hawaii Five-0. Recently, Kim earned a recurring role in the NBC medical drama, New Amsterdam, to which he believes he contracted the highly-contagious disease while filming the show in New York City. In the past 24 hours, Daniel Dae Kim is yet another public figure to test positive for coronavirus including two-time NBA Champion Kevin Durant, and New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton.
Monica Schipper/Getty Images
In a ten-minute video posted to his Instagram account, Kim revealed that he had developed an itchy throat while flying back to Hawaii to be with his family since production on the show was halted due to the severity of the pandemic. Once back on the island, Daniel Dae Kim began to experience other symptoms, including chest tightness, fever, and body aches which prompted him to self-quarantine and reach out to his physician who advised him to get tested for COVID-19.
Kim was tested at a drive-thru testing center in Honolulu where it was determined that he contracted the virus. Since then, he's self-isolated from his family and has only left his place of refuge to go to the testing center. The Good Doctor producer hasn't been hospitalized and has been treating his own symptoms with medicine, rest, and liquids.
Daniel Dae Kim began his announcement revealing his current status stating, "Today, even though I'm not 100%, I'm pretty close." He then proceeded to stress the importance of following the CDC recommendations for coronavirus prevention, declaring:
"If you treat this without care you are potentially endangering the lives of millions of people, including your loved ones."
The NYU graduate then went to praise the grocery store employees, medical workers, and others who are risking their lives to provide the masses with the necessities to lead a normal life during the pandemic. Then the actor of Korean descent went on to discuss the "cowardly" and "inexcusable" xenophobia people of the Asian community have been experiencing since the global outbreak of the disease, stating:
"Yes, I'm Asian. And yes, I have coronavirus, but I did not get it in China. I got it in America -- in New York City. Despite what certain political leaders want to call it, I don't consider the place where it's from as important as the people who are sick and dying."
The brave thespian then closed out his revelation with a message of gratitude and a message to toilet paper hoarders, saying into the camera:
"I'm grateful to be alive and healthy. It gives me hope that through our collective efforts we can beat this thing and flatten the curve... But in the meantime please be safe, please be healthy and please be kind to one another. And please stop hoarding the toilet paper. Seriously. How dirty are you down there?"
Check out Daniel Dae Kim's coronavirus announcement in the video provided below and continue to do everything in your power to help in the prevention of this infectious disease.
US Surgeon General Calls On Kylie Jenner Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic
US Surgeon General, Jerome Adams Ph.D., wants Kylie Jenner & social media influencers to participate in COVID-19 awareness.
America's most prominent doctor, Jerome Adams, is calling on the likes of Kylie Jenner and other social media influencers in order to get the youth of the nation to take the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) more seriously. Jermone Michael Adams Ph.D., who is currently serving as the United States 20th Surgeon General, appeared on Good Morning America on Thursday (March 19), to speak about the country's efforts to contain the highly-contagious disease and the role that millennials play in attempting to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Adams, who was appointed by President Donald Trump to serve as US Surgeon General in 2017, believes that social media has the power to influence America's young citizens to participate in an effective coronavirus prevention plan.
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During his appearance on Good Morning America, the certified anesthesiologist wasn't afraid to call upon some of the most influential names in pop culture to serve as catalysts for COVID-19 awareness as he stated to Super Bowl champion, Michael Strahan:
"What I really think we need to do ... is get our influencers. We need to get Kylie Jenner, we need to get our social-media influencers out there in helping folks understand that, look, this is serious. This is absolutely serious. People are dying."
US Surgeon General Adams then went on to name drop highly-popularized NBA players Kevin Durant and Donovan Mitchell who have tested positive for coronavirus despite being asymptomatic. Before ending his segment with a message to the negligent youth of the country, stating:
"Think about your grandmother, think about your grandfather. Think about the fact that you're spreading disease, which could ultimately be what kills them."
With the recent flock of college students and millennials making their way to Florida for spring break despite being in the midst of a global pandemic, Dr. Adams' message is more necessary than ever in order to properly contain the virus that has now reached over 200,000 confirmed cases around the globe. And with popular social media personalities like Kylie Jenner reaching a following of over 166 million people, influencers have the opportunity to have major impact over how history will be made with this pandemic.
We shall see how things play out over the course of the next couple of weeks and how many will choose to use their platforms during these trying times. Check out US Surgeon General Jerome Adams' full Good Morning America interview in the video provided below.
Ryan Reynolds Disses Hugh Jackman During Donation Statement
Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman's bromance beef will never end, even in the midst of a global pandemic.
Ryan Reynolds and his wife, Blake Lively, made a generous donation to two separate food banks in the wake of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. But even during the announcement of their combined charitable act, the Deadpool actor couldn't help but take a shot at his longtime 'rival' and counterpart, Hugh Jackman, during the process. For years both, Reynolds and Jackman have been participating in an ongoing fictitious beef to publicly humiliate one another. Last year, the two attempted to end their ongoing feud on camera but failed miserably. Now, the rivalry continues even during a philanthropic act of generosity. Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively donated a total of $1 million to be split between the Feeding America and Food Banks Canada organizations. The Waiting... actor took to his Twitter account to encourage others to the same for those in need struggling, captioning his statement, "I think we can all agree, Covid-19 is an asshole. If you can help, visit, http://FeedingAmerica.org and/or http://FoodBanksCanada.ca." Within the post, the declaration reads:
"Covid-19 has brutally impacted older adults and low-income families. Blake & I are donating $1 million to be split between FEEDING AMERICA and FOOD BANKS CANADA. If you can give, these orgs need our help. Take care of your bodies and hearts. Leave room for joy. Call someone who’s isolated and might need connection."
The 43-year-old thespian then closed out his call-to-action taking a dig at the Wolverine actor, writing:
"(Hugh Jackman’s # is 1-555-[crying emoji]-HUGH.)"
Blake Lively also took to her social media accounts to announce her act of charity and to encourage others to participate in coronavirus relief efforts. However, it appears that she might be on Team Hugh as she ended her statement, writing:
"Sending so much love," the post reads. "Now can someone please tell Ryan that ’emotional distancing’ from his mother in law is not a thing. Nothing can save him."
Even in the midst of a global pandemic, the saga between Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman has yet to come to an end. Check out the duos "truce" in the video provided below.
Uber Eats Waives Delivery Fees Amidst Coronavirus Outbreak
Uber Eats is attempting to help businesses & citizens by waiving the delivery fee during the coronavirus outbreak.
Uber Eats is attempting to provide aid to local restaurants and citizens by waiving their delivery service fees in the United States and Canada amidst the coronavirus outbreak. With government officials taking extreme precautions in the attempt to contain the highly-contagious virus, closing schools, limiting restaurant capacity, and closing all recreational businesses, some citizens are struggling to obtain a decent meal. Fortunately, delivery services like Uber Eats are stepping up to the plate and doing something thoughtful for the sake of humanity. Rick Kern/Getty Images
The app-based food delivery platform released a formal statement email and an in-app notification for both their consumers and restaurant clientele that partially reads:
“We will also launch daily dedicated, targeted marketing campaigns — both in-app and email — to promote delivery from local restaurants, especially those that are new to the app,”
Uber Eats also revealed to their clientele that they would be able to pay their restaurant fees daily, instead of the current weekly cycle.
The company’s direct competitor, Seamless, emailed customers over the weekend to announce they’re suspending commission fees for independent restaurants to allow them to rebound from the business they’ve lost due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Since President Trump has declared the coronavirus a national emergency, small and independent businesses have taken a huge hit leaving business owners and entrepreneurs not only concerned about their health and well-being but wondering how they’re going to make ends meet if they are forced to close their businesses temporarily. The Head of State has hinted at providing citizens with a stimulus package, but that is only a temporary fix to a much bigger problem.
Hopefully, more major corporations and businesses continue to be as innovative as Uber Eats and Seamless to ease the distress of the masses during such trying times.
Erykah Badu Hints At New Music With The Quarantine In Effect
Erykah Badu jokingly acknowledges the idea of creating new music in the midst of global chaos.
Erykah Badu responded to a fan's comment on Twitter suggesting that she drop an album. While the First Lady of Neo-Soul might have been joking due to the circumstances of citizens around the globe self-quarantining for their own safety and the consideration of others, new music from the four-time Grammy Award-winning artist might be exactly what the culture needs during such troubling times. However, with the success of Erykah Badu's vagina-scented incense selling out in minutes last month, would the singer/songwriter turned entrepreneur be willing to endure the artistic pressure of curating a new project at this very moment? Emma McIntyre/Getty Images
A Twitter enthusiast with a handle by the name of @TheSuperNegro directly asked Erykah Badu on the social media platform, "Can we get a new album @fatbellybella?" this past Monday (March 16). Later that evening the mother of three Retweeted the inquiry with a somewhat jokingly response, stating:
"Shit .. look like I got time now," which sent her mentions into a frenzy with fans of her art pleading for her to head back into her appropriately titled creative space, The Badudio.
Badu's last musical offering came in the form of her mixtape But You Caint Use My Phone (2015), which dropped five years ago and features the likes of one of her children's fathers in Andre 3000 on the collaborative track entitled, "Hello." Fortunately, since then, the multiplatinum-selling recording artist has released one-off remixes, singles, and features like "Thru It All (Remix)," "This Land" featuring Nas, and "WiFi" alongside DRAM.
While new music from one of hip-hop's most infamous heartbreakers would be a pleasure at the moment, we could only hope and wait for now. Check out one of Erykah Badu's classic hits in the three-part musical experience entitled "Green Eyes" in the video provided below.
Vanessa Hudgens Apologizes For Coronavirus Comments
Vanessa Hudgens went for the classic notes app apology after her insensitive comments about the coronavirus death toll.
Vanessa Hudgens took to the infamous iPhone notes app to write an apology for her comments about the "inevitable" coronavirus death toll she carelessly joked about during her Instagram Live stream on Monday (March 16). During the Live interaction a fan of the 31-year-old actress, named Austin, revealed that he was being tested for COVID-19. Hudgens briefly addressed his comment before changing the topic, then circling back to the topic of the coronavirus when asked about a London trip she was hoping to attend was being postponed because of the pandemic outbreak of the disease.
The Thirteen actress ignorantly showed her disdain for her trip possibly being delayed for months due to the life-threatening virus as she referred to the pandemic as "a bunch of bullsh*t," stating:
"Um, yeah, till July sounds like a bunch of bullsh*t, I’m sorry. But like, it’s a virus, I get it, like, I respect it. But at the same time, like, even if everybody gets it, like, yeah, people are gonna die. Which is terrible, but like, inevitable? I don’t know, maybe I shouldn’t be doing this right now."
Eventually, her insensitive comments made their way to Twitter, where Hudgens was faced with a tidal wave of criticism and backlash. Check out some of the Tweets below:
Despite the obvious backlash, Vanessa Hudgens then somewhat doubled down on her comments posting a video to her Instagram account in commemoration of St. Patrick's Day, saying, "I wish we were in a pub, but we’re not. Because, lockdown."
Eventually, one of her handlers, most likely her publicist informed her that her coronavirus death toll comments weren't going over too well with the general public, which prompted her to write a disingenuous apology her notes app. The apology posted to her Twitter account, reads:
"Hey guys. I'm so sorry for the way I have offended anyone and everyone who has seen the clip from my Instagram Live yesterday. I realize my words were insensitive and not at all appropriate for the situation our country and the world are in right now." Hudgens continues, "This has been a huge wake-up call about the significance my words have, now more than ever. I'm sending safe wishes to everyone to stay safe and healthy during this crazy time."
Is Hudgens worthy of forgiveness? Of course. But people of her status should be more cognizant of the obstacles others face during such trying times, especially in the wake of a global pandemic. Check out the actress's apology in the Twitter post provided below.
Germany’s "Big Brother" Cast Clueless About Coronavirus Pandemic
Germany's "Big Brother" cast is in for a shock when they discover the coronavirus pandemic on live television.
The participants of Germany's Big Brother have no idea the crisis the planet is facing in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. With the highly-popularized competitive reality show program on its 13th season, the fourteen cast members have been completely oblivious to what's taking place in the outside world since Feb. 6. Now, the production team behind the reality television show has decided to inform the cast live on air about the global pandemic that has forced millions of citizens around the world to self-quarantine, according to The Guardian.
Originally, the Big Brother: Germany featured a total of ten cast members before introducing an additional four castmates on March 6, just days following the first coronavirus death in the country. According to WorldoMeters.info, the current number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Germany is over the 7,000 mark with a total of 17 patrons dead from the life-threatening virus.
Recently the Canadian cast of Big Brother was made aware of the coronavirus pandemic. Now, the German show curators are following suit with a live presentation that will allow the cast to ask questions about the disease, contact their family members video chats, and fully inform them of the implications the coronavirus has on the globe.
The producers of the German rendition of the reality television show were receiving a massive amount of backlash from fans of the show for not informing the cast of the pandemic. Which forced the network and production team to respond the German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung about the show's strict policy to avoid relaying the cast of any outside news unless it involved in a death in a family.
Fortunately, the production team had a change of heart and aired the live episode informing the cast of the global coronavirus outbreak this past Tuesday (March 17). With the masses under a soft-quarantine policy, it might be time to brush up on some German and tune in as clips are sure to hit the internet in the near future. Until then, check out the current cast of Big Brother: Germany in the Instagram post provided below.
Idris Elba Asymptomatic After Testing Positive For Coronavirus
Idris Elba is asymptomatic and in good spirits despite testing positive for coronavirus.
Just one day after testing positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Idris Elba decided to address his fans and followers to ensure that he is doing fine and that he is currently asymptomatic. The 47-year-old English actor took to his Twitter account in a nearly nine-minute long Live video to address why he decided to get tested, why his wife Sabrina Dhwore was in his announcement video and the positive aspects of his diagnosis.
Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
"It’s been a mad 24 hours as you can probably guess. Yesterday was just good and bad. It was bad because obviously I tested positive, but it was also good because it opened up a lot of conversation around it," Elba began the live stream. The Luther actor then went on to reveal that he is in good health and announced his reason for getting tested, stating:
"Right now I am feeling OK. I woke up this morning, didn’t have any symptoms…still don’t have any symptoms. [I’m] checking my fever twice a day. [I] feel good... I was going to be around a lot of people starting (a) new film.”
Elba briefly discussed why his 30-year-old wife, Sabrina was in the same room as him despite quarantine protocol, saying:
“Sabrina wanted to be by my side.”
Idris Elba's positive test results come just weeks after The Suicide Squad (2021) officially finished shooting and will enter post-production. It is rumored that Elba's character in the movie will be Ben Turner, better known as the Bronze Tiger, a character created by legendary comic book writer Dennis O'Neil. The Cats actor also recently signed on to star in the Jay Z-produced Black Western film, The Harder They Fall. Now, in the wake of his positive diagnosis and the coronavirus pandemic, Elba's plans have come to streaking halt as one of Hollywood's most sought-after personalities.
Check out Idris Elba's full Twitter Live stream addressing his coronavirus prognosis in the video provided below.
Drake Fans Fear He May Have Caught Coronavirus From Kevin Durant
Following the shocking news of Kevin Durant testing positive for coronavirus, people are now suspecting Drake may be at risk due to being seen with the NBA star just a few days ago.
This coronavirus outbreak is getting real, people!
Following the recent report that Kevin Durant was one of the Brooklyn Nets players that contracted COVID-19, another superstar name has now been thrown on the list of possible people at risk of catching it next, and it's probably one of the biggest ones so far.
It looks like hip-hop's golden boy Drake — yes, "DRAKE?!" — might have been exposed to coronavirus directly after he was seen hanging with Durant just a few days ago in Los Angeles. The last photo Drake posted on Instagram alongside Kevin Durant (seen above) pretty much proves that to be a fact, and with that another name has been thrown in for added drama as well: LeBron James. Drizzy just so happened to be hanging out court side with LeBron at his son Bronny James' Sierra Canyon game against Harvard-Westlake, and as you can imagine this opens up a whole new level to the outbreak. If the 6 God actually did contract the virus, this could be the case that sees everything getting way more out of hand than it already has. We can't say this enough, but please stay healthy out there by taking the social distancing movement seriously!
Of course, social media already got started with opinions. Take a look below at just some of the reactions to Drake possibly catching coronavirus from Kevin Durant: