'Game of Thrones' Star Kristofer Hivju Confirms Coronavirus Diagnosis

The COVID-19 coronavirus is currently categorized as a pandemic.

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This means it's spreading across the entire world.

The numbers don't lie.

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It has been confirmed by Worldometer that 7,074 people have now died globally, with the majority being in mainland China. A further 179,829 have been found to carry the virus and be infected.

A global emergency has been declared.

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The World Health Organization declared an emergency last month and called on all countries to take urgent measures to contain the respiratory disease.

Because the virus continues to spread across the globe like wildfire...

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And it's showing no signs of slowing down, with numbers growing daily in countries around the globe.

The number of cases in the USA is rising...

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So far, 4,102 people have been confirmed to have been infected with the virus, and seventy-one have reportedly died.

Things are getting extremely serious.

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On the 11th of March COVID-19 was officially categorized as a pandemic by the WHO.

President Trump has been heavily criticized for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

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Even by Trump's standards - who has a nasty habit of denialism - this has been pretty shocking.

But finally, President Trump officially declared a national emergency.

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In a news conference in Washington this weekend, the President announced that the country is in an official state of emergency regarding the coronavirus pandemic.

Alongside the obvious health issues it poses ...

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COVID-19 seems to have some totally enormous implications on all aspects of life.

All NBA games have been postponed.

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As have huge entertainment events like South by South West and Coachella.

Because there's one thing that really allows coronavirus to thrive.

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And that's gatherings of large crowds. So for the foreseeable future, we're all staying in - and protecting the most vulnerable members of society.

Because even famous faces couldn't avoid the virus...

Several celebrities have announced that they have been tested positive for the virus, including Hollywood legend, Tom Hanks.

Hanks shared the news on Instagram.

"Hello folks. @ritawilson and I want to thank everyone here Down Under who are taking such good care of us. We have Covid-19 and are in isolation so we do not spread it to anyone else. There are those for whom it could lead to a very serious illness. We are taking it one-day-at-a-time. There are things we can all do to get through this by following the advice of experts and taking care of ourselves and each other, no?"

The next star to share their frightening news?

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British actor Idris Elba. "I had no symptoms, but I got tested because I realized I was exposed to someone who had also tested positive." "This morning I tested positive for COVID-19. I feel ok, I have no symptoms so far but have been isolated since I found out about my possible exposure to the virus."

He encouraged people to not panic.

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"Stay home people and be pragmatic. I will keep you updated on how I'm doing. No panic."

And he urged his fans to do all they can to prevent spreading the virus.

"This is serious. Now's the time to think about social distancing, washing your hands. Beyond that, there are people out there who aren't showing symptoms, and that can easily spread it. So now's the time to be really vigilant with washing your hands and keeping your distance."

Another celebrity hit with a diagnosis is Kristofer Hivju.

The actor, best known for his roles in Game of Thrones and The Witcher, took to Instagram to share his scary news.

"Greetings from Norway! Sorry to say that I, today, have tested positive for COVID19, Corona virus."

"My familiy and I are self-isolating at home for as long as it takes. We are in good health - I only have mild symptoms of a cold. There are people at higher risk for who this virus might be a devastating diagnosis, so I urge all of you to be extremely careful; wash your hands, keep 1,5 meters distance from others, go in quarantine; just do everything you can to stop the virus from spreading. Together we can fight this virus and avert a crisis at our hospitals. Please take care of each other, keep your distance, and stay healthy!"