While some celebrity responses to the COVID-19 crisis have been a little tone deaf, many celebrities are using their platform to thank and provide for healthcare workers fighting the virus. From encouraging videos to large donations, celebrities are making sure healthcare professionals feel valued and cared for during the pandemic. We’ve put together a list of the most heartwarming celebrity shout-outs.
Jimmy Fallon Launches “Cowbell Challenge” to Thank First Responders
Inspired by videos of Europeans leading sing-a-longs and rounds of applause from their quarantine balconies, Jimmy Fallon has created the “Cowbell Challenge.” Referencing his infamous SNL sketch, Fallon asked viewers to “get out your cowbell, get out a pot and pan” and celebrate our healthcare workers.
Rihanna Donates PPE to New York Medics
In the United States, coronavirus has hit New York the hardest, with almost half the country’s reported infections. Protective gear is running dangerously low as the patient load increases. In light of this shortage, Barbados singer Rihana has donated PPE to medics on the front lines. In addition, Rihanna’s Clara Lionel Foundation will donate five million dollars to a short list of organizations responding to the outbreak.
Mandy Moore Shares Message from Healthcare Workers
Doctors and nurses have been using social media to ask the public to stay home in order to limit the spread of COVID-19 and avoid overcrowding hospitals. Mandy Moore has joined those efforts, recently reposting a photo with the caption, “Thank you endlessly to the doctors, nurses, and all frontline healthcare workers. Let’s continue to do our part to help them out.”
Italian Influencer and Designer Chiara Ferragni Raises Money for New ICU
Italy has been the epicenter for the coronavirus crisis in Europe, with more reported deaths than any other country. Healthcare professionals have been forced to make tough decisions on how to allocate their limited beds, ventilators, and other resources. Italian designer Chiara Ferragni has stepped in to support her country through this time, raising over four million dollars for the construction of a new intensive care unit at the San Raffaele Hospital in Milan.
Celebrities Thank Healthcare Heroes in Greater New York Hospital Association video
A video released by the Greater New York Hospital Associate brought a few famous faces together to show healthcare workers their appreciation. In a video posted on their Twitter, celebrities from Lin Manuel Miranda to Rachel Brosnahan take an opportunity to say thank you. Director Ron Howard sums up the video’s sentiment well when he states, “We’re all facing a tremendous amount of fear and uncertainty at a time like this. You’re not immune to that, I know. And yet, there you are.”
