Back in March, which feels like far longer than four months ago, Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson became some of the first high-profile cases of COVID-19, testing positive while filming in Australia. Now, Hanks is using some of the interviews for his upcoming film Greyhound to share a simple public health message–wear a mask.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly’s Today for Greyhound, Hanks also sent a message about the unfolding pandemic. “The idea of doing one’s part… should be so simple–wear a mask, social distance, wash your hands,” he said. “That alone means you are contributing to the betterment of your house, your work, your town, your society as a whole, and it’s such a small thing. It’s a mystery to me how somehow that has been wiped out of what should be ingrained in the behavior of us all.”
While in another interview Hanks expressed disappointment that his film Greyhound, which premiered to mostly positive reviews, wouldn’t get its chance to shine on the big screen, he’s certainly not advocating for an early opening of cinemas.
“Those things are so simple, so easy, if anybody cannot find it in themselves to practice those three very basic things–I just think shame on you,” he said.
Hanks has also talked about his experience with battling coronavirus back in March, saying that his main symptom had been “crippling, cracking body aches.” Hanks later donated his convalescent plasma to help research the emerging disease.
Greyhound will be available on Apple TV+ from July 10.