The Best And Worst Celeb Advice About Coronavirus

As the number of coronavirus cases continues to rise, and as healthcare workers attempt to control the spread of the illness while helping those who have been infected recover, the growing awareness of the pandemic has prompted a range of reactions from organizations and individuals around the world. That, of course, includes celebrities, who are responding to the circumstances by using their wide reach to influence their fans. 

Some stars, like The View's co-host Sunny Hostin, are sharing opinions about the situation, while others, such as cellist Yo-Yo Ma, are doing what they can to help others get through this global crisis. Actress Rita Wilson even created a playlist if you happen to be in quarantine, which includes on-theme songs like Eric Carmen's "All By Myself," MC Hammer's "U Can't Touch This," and, perhaps most importantly, Destiny Child's "Survivor." 

Many stars are sending out simple (yet meaningful) expressions of care, while some famous folks have even revealed that they've tested positive for the illness themselves. Among these messages are also plenty of tips and recommendations on how to handle the pandemic. Some guidance is reasonable, but some input would be downright laughable if it weren't so dangerous to anyone who thinks it's legitimate. If you're wondering what you should and shouldn't be listening to — other than the information coming directly from experts — here is a collection of the best and worst celebrity advice regarding the coronavirus.

While Arnold Schwarzenegger had something to share during the coronavirus pandemic that's worth listening to, it may be hard to concentrate on what he's saying when you realize that in the video he popped onto Twitter on Mar. 15, 2020, the actor is joined by a donkey named Lulu and a mini pony who goes by Whiskey. "See, the important thing is that you stay at home because there's a curfew now. No one is allowed out. Especially someone who is, like, 72 years old," the Terminator star said, referring to himself. "After you are 65, you are not allowed out of the house anymore in California. So we stay home and we eat here." Schwarzenegger emphasized his point by offering his companions some carrots to nibble on.

While talking to his fuzzy friends about how they enjoy spending time together at home, Schwarzenegger paused to tell the camera (and those watching) to forget about going out to restaurants, public gatherings, or gymnasiums, saying that's "out the window." Alongside the video, the award-winning performer tweeted, "Stay at home as much as possible." Urging his fans to "listen to the experts" and "ignore the morons," Schwarzenegger ended his reassuring message by telling the public, "We will get through this together." 

Staying at home and listening to the experts is much better advice than the unhelpful rhyme that the next well-known figure shared on social media.

Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande are two of the most popular — and therefore most powerful — people in pop music. They're also two celebrities who are urging their fans to do what they can to keep others safe during the coronavirus pandemic.

Swift reached out to her Instagram followers on Mar. 15, 2020, to address the fact that she was noticing "lots of get-togethers and hangs and parties still happening," according to CNN. "This is the time to cancel plans, actually truly isolate as much as you can and don't assume that because you don't feel sick that you aren't possibly passing something on to someone elderly or vulnerable to this," she said in an Instagram Story, noting that we "need to make sacrifices right now."

As for Grande, she also shared an important message with her social media followers. "I keep hearing from a surprising amount of people statements like 'this isn't a big deal' / 'we'll be fine' ... 'we still have to go about our lives' and it's really blowing my mind," the songstress wrote in a statement she posted to Twitter. "I understand if that is how you felt weeks ago but please read about what's going on." Grande ended her message by telling the public not to "turn a blind eye." The kind of behavior that both Swift and Grande are suggesting is just as smart as the next person's actions are arguably over the top.

Judi Dench's role in the Cats movie may not end up being her most respected role, but it's still coming in handy during the coronavirus pandemic in a rather unexpected way. The actress appeared on social media in a video in March 2020 that can be seen on Metro's website. In the recording, Dench and writer and ex-Tory MP Gyles Brandreth demonstrate how to effectively wash your hands for an extended period of time by reciting Edward Lear's poem, "The Owl and the Pussy-cat." The performance ends as "Judi begins purring and nuzzling her friend."

Although Dench's hand-washing guidance may have been just what you needed, a few other famous faces have shared similar instructional videos. The Killers singer Brandon Flowers did the same with a rendition of "Mr. Brightside" that the band shared with its Twitter followers. Music industry icon Gloria Gayner opted for TikTok to create a video that lets people know that "it only takes 20 seconds to 'SURVIVE!'" And, yes, her beloved power anthem is playing as she washes up in the same way we all should be doing. If you can lather up as many suds as the singer and include just as much hand-washing, hip-shaking sass, then you'll certainly have a better chance of avoiding any illness. Or you could try Jimmy Fallon's new tune, aptly titled "Wash Your Hands," which instructs you on how to do just that. Handy, yes?

If you want to keep up with Kim Kardashian, then you better get used to a new kind of greeting. With handshakes and high-fives out of the question due to the fact that the close contact can result in germs being transferred from one person to another, the reality TV star shared a video to her Instagram Stories that features her friend, Caesar, and family doctor demonstrating another possibility, according to E! News.

"The new, appropriate way to say hello," Kardashian can be heard saying as the camera captures the two men tapping together their right feet before switching over and knocking the sides of their left feet together. The star then got involved, but explained that she "doesn't have time for two," so simply did a single foot tap with her pal.

The Mirror notes that the move "looked a little ungainly, especially for those that might find the balancing requirement a little too difficult" — maybe those people can just wave instead? — "but the reality star is promoting this as she ramps up her vigilance against the virus." It's certainly better to be vigilant when it comes to the coronavirus than to be seemingly foolish, like the next celebrity who shared a false and potentially dangerous opinion about the illness.

Tom Hanks announced on Mar. 11, 2020, that both he and his wife, actress Rita Wilson, have tested positive for the coronavirus while in Australia for pre-production work on Baz Luhrmann's untitled Elvis Presley film. While Hanks' initial message explained that he and Wilson were taking "a one-day-at-a-time approach" and offered information, as well as assurances, about the couple's health and care, he followed that with a pair of posts that focused on updates, gratitude, and guidance.

"There are things we can all do to get through this by following the advice of experts and taking care of ourselves and each other, no?" he wrote alongside a photo of himself and Wilson on Mar. 12. He also included a classic line from his classic 1992 film, A League of Their Own, adding, "Remember, despite all the current events, there is no crying in baseball."

However, it may have been the movie that earned Hanks a nomination for the 2020 Oscars, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (in which he starred as the late and beloved television host Mr. Rogers), that inspired his Mar. 15 post. Sending "thanks to the Helpers," the beloved Hollywood actor suggested that we should "take care of ourselves and each other." Good advice, indeed, now and always.