COVID-19 Survivor Tom Hanks Compares the Pandemic to World War II – Here's Why

For actor and COVID-19 survivor, Tom Hanks, there is only one way that the world can overcome the pandemic, and it involves everyone working together, just like they did during the Second World War.

Tom Hanks and his wife, Rita Wilson, were among the first celebrities to contract the novel coronavirus in March. Now recovered, the actor believes that the virus can be defeated when people work together.

Speaking on the Today show, which was his first live television interview since his and Rita's recovery from the disease, Hanks said that everyone should do their part in tackling the pandemic by practicing preventive measures.

He said that by practicing those measures that are simple to do, a person would be helping their immediate environment and society at large to become a better place.

Hank's new movie, "Greyhound," which is about World War II, will be released on "Apple TV+" on Friday. Referencing that war, the actor said that these times calls for a unified effort like that seen in those days. He said:

"Not everything I say has to be tied to somehow the war effort back during World War II, but there was a sensibility that permeated all of society, which was to do your part."

The actor further said that he considered it a shame for a person not to do three basic things; wearing facemasks, washing their hands, and practicing social distancing.

Tom Hanks also gave an update on him and Rita Wilson's wellbeing after their battles with the virus, saying that they are now very fine and have been practicing social distancing since their diagnosis and recovery.

Despite the symptoms taking their toll on the couple and the fact that he had type 2 diabetes... Hanks remained calm throughout the experience.

In a recent interview, the actor said that he and his wife had differing reactions to COVID-19 and that their discomfort as a result of the disease lasted for only two weeks.

According to the star actor, their contrasting symptoms, which he found odd, involved Wilson losing her sense of smell and taste and also suffering from severe nausea and a very high fever.

On the other hand, Hanks had crippling body aches, severe fatigue, and could not concentrate on anything for more than 12 minutes, though he joked the last symptom was a natural state for him.

Despite the symptoms taking their toll on the couple and the fact that he had type 2 diabetes, which caused him to worry about being a red flag for the disease, he remained calm throughout the experience.

It will be recalled that Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson were diagnosed with COVID-19 on March 11. The actor announced their diagnosis via an Instagram post, where he said they were traveling in Australia when they began exhibiting symptoms of the virus.

The couple was tested, with the results coming back positive. Hanks further said he and Wilson would follow all protocols as directed by medical officials and would keep everyone updated.