Tom Hanks Expresses Gratitude Upon Return to the U.S. After Coronavirus Treatment in Australia

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson are finally back home and grateful to those who helped them recover from the novel coronavirus, as well as to their fans.

Soon after returning to the United States, the 63-year-old Oscar-winning actor expressed his thanks to healthcare workers in Australia who treated him and his wife earlier this month amid the pandemic.

“Hey, Folks,” he tweeted on Saturday. “We’re home now and, like the rest of America, we carry on with sheltering in place and social distancing. Many, many thanks to everyone in Australia who looked after us. Their care and guidance made possible our return to the USA. And many thanks to all of you who reached out with well wishes. Rita and I so appreciate it. Hanx”

Hanks and Wilson, 63, were all smiles as they were photographed driving in Los Angeles on Friday.

The actor had revealed on social media on March 11, while in Australia to do pre-production work on an Elvis Presley biopic, that he and his wife had tested positive for the novel coronavirus, aka COVID-19. He said they felt fatigued, and had body aches and slight fevers. In recent weeks, he and his family shared health updates about him.

Hanks and Wilson spent several days at a hospital in Australia before they were released to recover at a private residence prior to their recent trip back home.

Hanks was one of the first celebrities to reveal a confirmed coronavirus diagnosis. Scores of fans have said that actor’s announcement made the pandemic seem more “real” to them.

Soon after his announcement, several states, including his home state of California, began implementing shelter-in-place and other social distancing policies in a bid to stop the spread of the virus.