Ariana Grande took to social media on Sunday to speak to anyone who isn't taking the COVID-19 outbreak seriously.
"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," she wrote. "I understand if that is how u felt weeks ago. But please read about what's going on. Please don't turn a blind eye."
Taylor Swift also chimed in. “I love you so much and need to express my concern that things aren’t being taken seriously enough right now,” she wrote on Instagram. “I’m seeing lots of get-togethers and hangs and parties still happening. 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."
Related Stories
Coronavirus Outbreak: What We Know About the Viral Threat
From its origins in Wuhan, China to outbreaks spread across the world, here’s everything we know about the coronavirus outbreak.
Coronavirus in Sports: How The Outbreak Has Affected Sporting Events
From the Tokyo Olympics postponed to 2021 to the NBA’s season suspension, here’s how the coronavirus pandemic has affected sports.
Coronavirus in Hollywood: How the Outbreak Has Impacted Movies and TV
From SXSW getting canceled to Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson testing positive, here’s how the Coronavirus outbreak is impacting Hollywood.
Grande and Swift's messages comes after congressman Devin Nunes appeared on Fox News earlier in the day, and recommended people go with their family to a local restaurant or pub while professionals far more educated on this topic have urged social distancing to curb the spread of coronavirus.
Her message also turned the spotlight on young people who have ignored the threat of the virus since it will likely not impact their livelihood, but fail to take others, especially the elderly, into account. "It is incredibly dangerous and selfish to take this situation that lightly," she continued. "The 'we will be fine because we're young' mindset is putting people who aren't young and/or healthy in a lot of danger. You sound stupid and privileged, and you need to care more about others. Like now."
On Sunday, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Anthony Fauci warned that young people need to be aware of the possibility that even though they may not get the worst of the virus, they can still be a carrier that can transmit it to the elderly.
"Even though you don't get seriously ill, you could bring it to a person who would bring it to a person that would bring it to your grandfather, your grandmother or your elderly relative," Fauci said. "That's why everybody's got to take this seriously, even the young."
