Olivia Newton-John, 71, may have been exposed to coronavirus last week when she spent time with an Australian reporter who has since tested positive to COVID-19.
The Grease star’s history with cancer – she’s had three diagnoses since 1992 – could put her at an increased risk of being affected by the global pandemic.
Olivia was interviewed by Weekend Today host Richard Wilkins, 65, on Tuesday – just one day after he’d come into contact with Tom Hanks’ wife, Rita Wilson, who tested positive for on Thursday.
Coronavirus fears for Olivia Newton-John(middle): COVID-19 positive Nine reporter Richard Wilkins, 65,(left) met with cancer-stricken Grease star, 71, after contact with Tom Hanks’ wife Rita Wilson. Pictured on March 10 with actor Paul Hogan
Those at risk for major complications from COVID-19 include those who are older (particularly over age 70), have low immune systems, and those with underlying health conditions.
Cancer survivors may have some lingering immune deficits and may be at risk for serious disease even years after stem cell transplantation.
The four-time Grammy winner was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992, undergoing a partial mastectomy and reconstruction.
Olivia battled cancer for a second time in 2013, but kept the illness private.
She revealed in September 2018 that she was battling cancer for the third time since her first diagnosis more than 25 years ago.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Olivia Newton-John and her daughter, Chloe Lattanzi, for comment.
At risk? The Grease star’s history with cancer – three diagnosis’ since 1992 – could put her at an increased risk of being affected by the global pandemic
On home soil: In Australia, there have been a total of 298 confirmed cases of coronavirus, including five deaths
Is everything OK? Daily Mail Australia has contacted Olivia Newton-John (left) and her daughter Chloe Lattanzi (right) for comment. Pictured in 2016
Olivia, who is an advocate for medicinal cannabis and natural remedies, told The Daily Telegraph in February that her tumours were receding.
She said: ‘My tumours are receding or they’re going away or they’re staying the same, on a Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer – that’s pretty amazing.’
The Xanadu star also told Daily Mail Australia at the G’Day USA gala earlier this year that she was ‘getting stronger and better all the time’.
‘I am winning over it and living with it well,’ she said. ‘I don’t think about it a lot, to be honest. Denial is a wonderful thing. I am getting stronger and better all the time.’
‘I am getting stronger and better all the time’: In February, Olivia claimed her tumours were receding, and how using medicinal cannabis and natural remedies has improved her health. Pictured: Olivia in high spirits at Sydney’s Fire Fight bushfire relief concert in February
CONFIRMED CASE: Channel Nine on Sunday evening revealed Richard, who briefly met Rita during her visit to the network’s studios, tested positive to the virus that has left more than 5,000 people dead globally
Rita Wilson and her husband, actor Tom Hanks, (pictured together) tested positive for the COVID-19 virus on the Gold Coast on Thursday
Channel Nine on Sunday evening revealed Richard, who briefly met Rita during her visit to the network’s studios, tested positive to the virus that has left more than 5,000 people dead globally.
Wilson and her Hollywood megastar husband Tom Hanks tested positive to COVID-19 on the Gold Coast on Thursday, March 12.
On Sunday, Richard Tweeted: ‘Sincere thanks for all the messages… I really appreciate it. It’s actually a bizarre feeling to have tested positive to this thing we’ve all been talking about. I feel 100 per cent… no symptoms at all! Thanks again… love to all RW xx.’
Cancer Council can offer cancer-related information and support on 13 11 20
The Coronavirus Health Information Line is 1800 020 080
When he caught it? Richard met with Rita on March 9, just one day before he made contact with Olivia Newton-John