'Grey's Anatomy' and other medical TV shows help combat coronavirus
As the number of cases in the coronavirus outbreak rise to unprecedented levels across the world, some American television shows have stepped up to help. Medical television dramas are now donating supplies to real-life hospitals to help them in their fight against the coronavirus disease, COVID-19. Medical supplies have notably been scarce as the COVID-19 cases neared 20,000 in the United States.
'The Resident', 'Grey's Anatomy' among shows donating supplies
Fox's The Resident donated hospital gowns, face masks, gloves, and other medical supplies to the Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, where the series is filmed. The Grey's Anatomy set had a backstock of gowns and gloves which they are donating, showrunner Krista Vernoff told E!News. Vernoff added that from the Station 19 set, they are donating 300 N95 masks to the local fire station.
'Overwhelmed with gratitude for our healthcare workers'
ABC's The Good Doctor is also looking to donate medical supplies. Vernoff said, "We are all overwhelmed with gratitude for our healthcare workers during this incredibly difficult time, and in addition to these donations, we are doing our part to help them by staying home."
Coronavirus kills at least 250 in the US
The United States reported its first positive case of COVID-19 on January 21. The number of cases has since neared 20,000, as the Donald Trump administration faces criticism for underestimating the threat. At least 250 people have also died from the highly-contagious disease in the US. As per the Centers for Disease Control's own estimations, 2.4-21 million people in the US could require hospitalization.
Actors, celebrities test positive for coronavirus
In light of the severity of the outbreak, filming has mostly been halted in Hollywood. Actors including Tom Hanks, his wife Rita Wilson, Idris Elba, Olga Kurylenko, Kristofer Hivju, Daniel Dae Kim, et al., have confirmed that they were tested positive for the disease.
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 was first reported in China's Wuhan city in December 2019. The disease is caused by a novel coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. The virus attacks a host's respiratory system triggering symptoms such as fever, cough, and breathing difficulties. In severe cases, it may cause pneumonia, multiple organ failure, or death. COVID-19 has spread to at least 150 countries, killing over 11,000 and sickening 2.7 lakh.
