Coronavirus: Tom Hanks roasted for slathering Vegemite on toast while in quarantine
Tom Hanks took to Twitter to share an update about his treatment for coronavirus in Australia, where he and his wife Rita Wilson are both in isolation after testing positive for coronavirus.
"Thanks to the Helpers," the actor tweeted. "Let's take care of ourselves and each other. Hanx." The image featured a stuffed toy kangaroo and a koala watching over his Vegemite toasts.
But the image gained traction for all the wrong reasons. Fans noticed that Tom took some 'extra' helpings of the salty paste to get through the treatment. A popular household staple in Australia, the spread is a beloved item for many locals.
"That's enough Vegemite to kill a horse. Hanx don't play. #usesparingly," tweeted a follower. "Mate, what's going on with that Vegemite ratio?" wondered another.
"Tom, I mean this with all the respect and love in the world, but that is too much Vegemite," tweeted a fan. Another fan warned: "Calm down Tom, that much Vegemite could legit kill a man. You’re already in enough bother!"
But these were Tom's Australian fans. His American fans couldn't understand what the big deal was about using Vegemite. "Imagine getting COVID-19 then being roasted on Twitter for using too much Vegemite!" tweeted one. "I so love this... most replies: "hey, love youse! But dead set too much Vegemite!" tweeted another.
At the age of 63, Hanks runs twice the risk of developing serious coronavirus complications. The 'Forrest Gump' actor had said that he sought medical advice after exhaustion and suffering from "body aches" during filming in Australia. Since the testing, Tom and Rita have been placed in isolation at Gold Coast Hospital.
"We felt a bit tired, like we had colds, and some body aches. Rita had some chills that came and went. Slight fevers too," Tom shared in a social media post.
As of Sunday, March 15, afternoon, there were 280 reported cases of coronavirus and three deaths in Australia.