Ariana Grande to coronavirus deniers: ‘You need to care more about others’
Ariana Grande has urged her fans to stay indoors and take the coronavirus crisis seriously in order to protect the most vulnerable.
Writing on Twitter, the singer said: “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. I understand if that is how you felt weeks ago, but please read about what’s going on. Please don’t turn a blind eye.”
“It is incredibly dangerous and selfish to take this situation that lightly,” the singer 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.”
Addressing criticisms that some people can’t afford to stay at home and sacrifice earnings from work, Grande added: “I understand and entirely support your frustration. I do not mean to disrespect anyone who doesn’t have the privilege of cancelled work or being able to call out of their work. But, this is a national emergency and a pandemic of global proportion.”
Since the coronavirus outbreak started in December, there have been over 170,000 cases worldwide, with more than 6,500 deaths. A number of countries have recently gone into lockdown, including the three worst affected in Europe: Italy, Spain, and France. The UK is currently facing criticism for its “complacency” as the government hasn’t shut down schools or banned public events. Meanwhile students in at least 31 US states are no longer heading to school, while Illinois, Ohio, and Massachusetts have placed restrictions on the operations of bars and restaurants.
Addressing government action over the crisis, Grande said: “These are the times when the world should rely on their governments to support the plan for all citizens to stay home and lessen the threat of infection and the spread of the virus. Please support H.R.6201 which has passed the house. This bill will provide people with necessary financial support in terms of paid sick leave / unemployment due to coronavirus / isolation / prevention! Please contact your senate to support the passing of this bill! Urgently.”
In one final push to encourage sensible self-isolation, the “thank u, next” singer added: “Like your hip hop yoga class can fucking wait I promise.”
While it’s important to take the pandemic seriously, the media focus can also be overwhelming, particularly for those who suffer with anxiety. Read our guide on how to not freak out about coronavirus here.
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Brit Dawson, Khareem Sudlow
