Ellen Pompeo thanks doctors and nurses ‘on the frontlines’ of the coronavirus pandemic: ‘You rock’
Grey’s Anatomy star Ellen Pompeo is sending love to medical professionals “on the frontlines” of the coronavirus pandemic in a supportive Instagram post.
The 50-year-old actress, who plays general surgeon Meredith Grey on the medical television series, shared the video on Friday. “Hey everybody. This is my nurses and doctors and all the healthcare workers appreciation post,” she began. “Many of us have the privilege to self-quarantine and isolate and try to stay healthy. And none of you have that privilege. You all have to be on the front lines of this thing and what is certainly bad now but will most definitely get worse in the next couple of weeks.”
Pompeo said, “So, this is just from me and my family, to all of you to say thank you. We appreciate you, we love you. Stay safe. Nurses rock. Doctors rock. And anyone who works in a hospital or the health care industry, you rock. We love you, stay safe.” The actress ended her message by blowing a kiss.
On Saturday, actor Giacomo Gianniotti who plays Pompeo’s love interest on the series, dedicated a video to his home country of Italy, which is currently on lockdown with 21,000 confirmed coronavirus cases and more than 1,400 deaths.
“...I’m asking your help. Italy my home country is in dire times,” wrote the actor. “My family is there, my friends are there, and every day I am worried for their safety and for the safety of all my fellow countrymen.
Gianniotti included a link for donations to Italian hospitals, emphasizing one in Milan “taking the brunt of this pandemic that has struck Italy so fiercely.” He added, “Please world, give what you can and help my beautiful, beautiful country in one of it’s most trying times yet. Thank you for listening.”
Grey’s Anatomy has reportedly stopped production for at least two weeks to assess “how the coronavirus situation evolves.”
“Stay safe, stay healthy, stay hydrated, stay home as much as possible, and wash your hands frequently,” said producers in a letter provided to Today. “Please take care of yourselves and each other. As updates come in, we will keep you informed.”
To help slow down the coronavirus rate, many are staying home or keeping social distance. On Saturday, Grey’s Anatomy actor Camilla Luddington (who plays Dr. Jo Karev) posted an Instagram photo of her dog with the caption, “He’s over the rain and he’s over staying in.”
Related Video: Doctors, First Responders Hold Drill for COVID-19 Patients
For the latest news on the evolving coronavirus outbreak, follow along here. According to experts, people over 60 and those who are immunocompromised continue to be the most at risk. If you have questions, please reference the CDC and WHO’s resource guides.
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