The coronavirus pandemic has spread to at least 219 countries and territories, with the worldwide death toll reaching more than 2.78 million.
It has become clear that COVID-19 may hit anyone, whether you're famous or not.
Since early March 2020, many of the biggest names in Philippine showbiz, sports, and politics have contracted the coronavirus.
In 2021, we see a rise in cases just as COVID-19 vaccines start to roll out. As the number of people testing positive surge, we see more familiar faces and showbiz personalities contracting the virus.
Take a look at some of the public figures who have tested positive for COVID-19.
Korean-American actor Daniel Dae Kim confirmed his diagnosis for the coronavirus through an Instagram post made on March 19. He said, “Hi, everyone. I am coming to you from my home in Hawaii where I've been since Sunday. I wanted to let you know that yesterday, I tested positive for COVID-19.” He said he may have contracted the disease when he traveled to New York to shoot for a role in a TV series.
NBA.com reported that Detroit Pistons forward Christian Wood has contracted the coronavirus disease. The result of his test became known one week after he played against Utah Jazz --- spending much of that night matched up with Rudy Gobert, who was the first NBA player known to test positive for the virus.
Boston Celtics point guard Marcus Smart confirmed via his social media accounts that he tested positive for the 2019 coronavirus disease. He posted, "I was tested 5 days ago and the results came back tonight, which were positive. I've been self quarantined since the test, thank goodness. COVID-19 must be taken with the highest of seriousness. I know it's a #1 priority for our nation's health experts, & we must get more testing ASAP."
Hollywood actor Tom Hanks tested positive for coronavirus on March 12, 2020. The Academy Award-winning actor is in Australia filming for a movie about the life of legendary rock star Elvis Presley when he contracted the virus.
Similarly, Tom Hanks's wife and actress, Rita Wilson, has also contracted the disease while in Australia. In a post made by Tom, he described that Rita “had some chills that came and went with some slight fevers too.”
According to the 63-year-old actor, he and his wife Rita Wilson have been following medical protocols and have isolated themselves from the public to prevent the further spread of the disease. The two then shared a smiling selfie and said they are taking it “one-day-at-a-time.”
Frenchman and NBA cager Rudy Gobert also announced that he contracted the coronavirus on March 12.
A day later, Rudy Gobert issued a public apology to the people who were in contact with him. According to the NBA player, “I had no idea I was even infected. I was careless and make no excuse.” To conclude, he encouraged everyone to take the steps necessary to ensure the health and safety of their love ones.
Wife of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Sophie Gregorie Trudeau, has tested positive for coronavirus on March 13. She had reportedly been exhibiting flu-like symptoms after recently returning from a speaking engagement in London before testing for COVID-19.
According to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, he and his wife will remain in isolation for 14 days as a precautionary measure following the advice of doctors.
According to a report made by ESPN, Utah Jazz star Donovan Mitchell has tested for coronavirus on March 12. He follows another NBA star Rudy Gobert, whose diagnosis led to the postponement of their game against Oklahoma City Thunder.
In an Instagram post, Donovan Mitchell thanked his fans who have reached out to him since testing positive for the virus. He wrote, “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.”
Italian football club Juventus announced that their center-back Daniele Rugani has tested positive for COVID-19. The athlete took to Twitter to assure fans that he is fine. "You've read the news, so I want to reassure everyone who's worried about me, I'm fine. I urge everyone to respect the rules, because this virus makes no distinction! Let's do it for ourselves, for our loved ones and for those around us."
His teammates at Juventus--including football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, and Inter-Milan--the team they most recently played against, have been urged to self-quarantine for 14 days.
Another Serie A club, Sampdoria, has also announced that one of their players tested positive for COVID-19. Their statement reads, "UC Sampdoria announce that player Manolo Gabbiadini has tested positive for Coronavirus-COVID-19. He has a slight fever, but is doing well. The club is activating all the procedures of isolation laid out in the rules."
"I still want to tell you that I'm fine, so don't worry. Follow all the rules, stay at home and everything will work out," Gabbiadini wrote on his Twitter account. Meanwhile, Italy has suspended all sporting events until April 3.
Thai actor Matthew Deane Chanthavanij confirmed through his personal Instagram account that he has tested positive for COVID-19. He also urged people who he has come in contact with to self-quarantine for 14 days.
Thai network Channel 3, where Matthew has been working, closed an entire floor for two weeks for disinfection. The entire office, bathrooms, and elevators will also be sprayed by disinfectant as a extra precaution.
Chilean writer Luis Sepulveda has also contracted the coronavirus in Portugal where the author has recently visited. According to reports, the 70-year-old author showed signs of the virus on February 25 after he returned to his home in northern Spain.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta tested positive for coronavirus on Thursday night, March 12, according to the statement on the club's official website. As of writing, Mikel says he is “feeling much better” since he was reported to have the virus.
In the statement, Arsenal detailed the measures it has taken to protect those who have been in close contact with manager Mikel Arteta to prevent the further spread of the virus.
Similarly, Chelsea footballer Callum Hudson-Odoi also tested positive for coronavirus on Thursday evening, March 12. On Instagram, the British player said he's recovering well and can't wait to get back on the field after the virus is over.
Colombian sprint star Fernando Gaviria also confirmed he has the virus on March 11. On Instagram, the sprinter revealed the news and confirmed he is the first rider to have contracted the COVID-19. “Exams have found that I am positive for coronavirus, but I am feeling good. I want to say thanks to the team, and everyone at the hospital who have been treating me very well. I'm [staying] here to avoid infecting other people, and we'll see how it goes. I want to assure everyone that I am OK, and we're hoping this is resolved as soon as possible.”
The Gazprom-RusVelo team has confirmed that cyclist Dmitry Strakhov has tested positive for the coronavirus in the United Arab Emirates after undergoing the fifth test. In a post, Strakhov said he is in good health but is still in the hospital. He is the first rider to be named as positive after the UAE Tour was cut short and all riders and staff were held in hotels during testing.
Filipino senator Juan Miguel Zubiri confirmed on March 16 that he tested positive for COVID-19. He wrote, “It is with sadness that I announce that I am positive for COVID-19.”
Senator Miguel Zubiri stated that he is asymptomatic meaning he does not show signs or symptoms of the virus. Despite this, he has decided to self-quarantine to protect his family and avoid contamination.
On March 16, British actor Idris Elba said he has tested positive for coronavirus through a video on Twitter. In the video, the actor said he feels “okay” and is showing no symptoms.
In the same post, Idris Elba said he had been isolated since finding out last Friday, March 13, that he had been exposed to someone who tested positive. He also encouraged people to practice social distancing and be diligent about hand washing, emphasizing that there are people like himself who are asymptomatic.
'Game of Thrones' star Kristofer Hivju announced on March 17 that he has tested positive for coronavirus. Since finding out that he has tested positive, he and his family have already started doing self-quarantine at home.
Actor Kristofer Hivju advised his fans to “be extremely careful, wash your hands, keep 1.5 meters distance from others, and go in quarantine.”
American travel vlogger Matt Kepnes announced on Instagram that he has contracted the COVID-19 virus after his recent travels in France and Taiwan. He has been experiencing mild symptoms as of late and is happy to report that he is now under quarantine. He ended his post on Instagram by saying: “Please stay home, wash your hands, and let's continue to stopping the spread.”
Actor Christopher De Leon announced that he tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) on Tuesday night, March 17. In an Instagram post, the actor confirmed that he has contracted the virus due to the nature of his work in the entertainment business. He also assured everyone that he and his family have been practicing self-quarantine since being tested positive for the virus.
NBA superstar Kevin Durant joins the growing number of celebrities who tested positive for the disease. The news was reported by NBA insider Shams Charania in a tweet made Wednesday morning, Philippine time. Shams wrote, “Kevin Durant tested positive for coronavirus, Durant tells @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium. Durant says he is feeling fine: "Everyone be careful, take care of yourself and quarantine. We're going to get through this."
'Bond' actress Olga Kurylenko announced on March 16 via Instagram that she has contracted the virus. She said that she has been feeling “ill for almost a week now.”
'Money Heist' actress Itziar Ituno, who plays Inspector Raquel Murillo, shared that she has tested positive for coronavirus disease. In her Instagram post, she shared that she had a few symptoms like fever and dry cough and will be on a 15-day quarantine.
American Gospel singer Sandi Patty also confirmed that she has the virus through a post on Facebook. Sandy said she hasn't felt well for a couple of weeks but has stayed home since becoming ill.
Joey Bautista, singer of Mulatto died on March 19. The next day, his wife Belinda Bagatsing confirmed that the singer tested positive for COVID-19. Belinda is now in self quarantine and urged other people that they came in contact with to do the same.
French volleyball star Earvin Ngapeth announced on his Instagram account that he has tested positive for COVID-19. Earvin plays for Russian volleyball club Zenit Kazan.
Convicted rapist and former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein has tested positive for the coronavirus while in prison, according to US reports. The disgraced movie mogul is currently serving a 23-year term at the Wende Correctional Facility after being found guilty on two charges of criminal sex act and rape in the third degree.
Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III was confirmed to have tested positive for coronavirus disease on March 25.
American host Andy Cohen shared on his Instagram that he tested positive for the coronavirus. He said, “After a few days of self-quarantine, and not feeling great, I have tested positive for Coronavirus.”
Actress Debi Mazar shared her own diagnosis on Instagram on March 22, writing “I have just tested positive for COVID-19. I am ok. About a month ago, my entire home (husband and two teen daughters) got an odd bug.”
Bon Jovi singer and keyboard player wrote about his diagnosis on Instagram on March 22. He said, “I just got my results back today and tested positive for coronavirus. I've been sick for a week and feeling better each day. Please don't be afraid.”
Prince Albert II of Monaco has tested positive for the coronavirus and was confirmed by the palace. In a statement, the palace said he is being treated by doctors from the Princess Grace Hospital. Albert is the second child of actress Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier of Monaco.
In a statement made by Clarence House on March 25, the future king of England, Prince Charles, has tested positive for coronavirus. According to the statement, he has been displaying mild symptoms but remains in "good health."
Rizal governor Rebecca 'Nini' Ynares has tested positive for COVID-19, her son former Antipolo Mayor Casimiro 'Junjun' Ynares III announced via Facebook. He says that his mom is stable and is in quarantine. His father, Ito Ynares has also been placed under quarantine as a precaution.
American rapper Slim Thug announced on Instagram that he has tested positive for COVID-19. He then asked his followers to take the health guidelines regarding the virus and the disease seriously. According to the rapper, he is self-isolating at home and trying some home remedies to clear up his lungs.
On March 26, Senator Sonny Angara announced via Facebook that he has tested positive for COVID-19. He says that he has experienced mild fever, cough, headaches and general weakness. He also assured he has not been out in public since he took the test back in March 16.
Filipino fashion designer Ito Curata passed away on Thursday (March 26) due to COVID-19 related complications. According to reports, Ito was confined at the Asian Hospital and Medical Center for a week prior to his death.
In a statement made by the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), 'Crocodile Dundee' star Mark Blum has died due to complications from COVID-19. The American actor was 69 years old.
AFP Chief of Staff General Felimon Santos Jr. has tested positive for COVID-19 after he came into contact with another senior military officer who was already positive for the virus. He has encouraged those who came in contact with him from March 13 onwards to go on self-quarantine.
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority General Manager Undersecretary Jojo Garcia has confirmed he has tested positive for COVID-19. He says that aside from a cough, he feels fine and vows to continue working from home.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Twitter that he has tested positive for COVID-19. "Over the last 24 hours I have developed mild symptoms and tested positive for coronavirus. I am now self-isolating, but I will continue to lead the government's response via video-conference as we fight this virus. Together we will beat this. #StayHomeSaveLives," he wrote.
Showbiz writer and talent manager Noel Ferrer confirmed on March 28 that actress Iza Calzado has tested positive for COVID-19. The actress announced on March 25 that she has been hospitalized due to pneumonia and is awaiting her tests results for COVID-19. NEW: / Showbiz writer and talent manager Noel Ferrer confirmed on March 28 that actress Iza Calzado has tested positive for COVID-19. The actress announced on March 25 that she has been hospitalized due to pneumonia. In Noel's March 30 update on IG, he shared that Iza is already negative for COVID-19.
Spain's Princess Maria Teresa of Bourbon-Parma has become the first royal in the world to die from coronavirus. According to a statement from her brother, Prince Sixto Enrique, she was 86 and died in Paris on Thursday. Her funeral was held in Madrid on Friday.
Famed Japanese comedian Ken Shimura has died after contracting the novel coronavirus. According to his representatives, he suffered pneumonia-like symptoms and passed away on Sunday night. Ken Shimura began his career in 1974 and was regarded as “Japan's Robin Williams.”
03 Sylvia Sanchez sylviasanchez_a (IG)
Actress Sylvia Sanchez confirmed on March 31, 2020 that she tested positive for coronavirus. On Instagram, she revealed that she and her husband Art Atayde both contracted the disease.
According to a post by Sylvia Sanchez, she and Art experienced “chills and shortness of breath” on March 24. They have since then been in isolation and are resting to recover from the virus
According to spokesperson Vic Rodriguez, former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos III has tested positive for coronavirus. He initially felt “unwell” after arriving from Spain and is currently being treated in Singapore
American performer and Grammy award-winning singer P!NK informed the public that she tested positive for COVID-19 after showing some symptoms. But she assured everyone that she is now doing well and her recent test showed that she is negative for the disease.
Actress Heaven Peralejo revealed in a vlog that she tested positive for COVID-19 and experienced symptoms such as body pains, difficulty in breathing, headaches, and weakness.
She was in quarantine at home and in a hotel but was taken to a hospital after her symptoms got worse and her oxygen level got lower than normal.
Kapuso actor Richard Yap shared in a '24 Oras' report that he tested positive for COVID-19 early in the pandemic back in 2020.
He narrated that at the time "there was still no treatment for it" and there was nothing he could do but pray.
Nikki Valdez revealed she and her husband Luis Garcia tested positive for coronavirus on April 10.
The couple shared their journey from experiencing mild symptoms such as body ache, mild, dry cough, and other flu-like symptoms despite having a normal body temperature.
Bro. Bo Sanchez shared through a Facebook post on March 31 that he tested positive for COVID-19.
Bro. Bo shared that he experienced symptoms such as fever, intense headaches, losing his sense of smell. He made an update on social media detailing his 10th day with the disease. "This is my 10th day with Covid. I know I'm not yet out of the woods. But I also know this too will pass.