Los Angeles Times

Can Tom Hanks and the NBA stop coronavirus skepticism in boomers and others?

LOS ANGELES - Retired businessman Gary Martin Zelman was looking forward to his center court seat at Thursday's Lakers game. Up until Wednesday night, he had planned to be there, rooting for his hometown NBA team, regardless of warnings that baby boomers should distance themselves from public places to help stem the rapid spread of the novel coronavirus.

Hours later, the NBA suspended its season and President Donald Trump, who has downplayed the risk of the virus, imposed sweeping travel restrictions on visitors from Europe. An NBA player tested positive and actor Tom Hanks and wife Rita Wilson announced they are infected. In a matter of hours, Zelman - who is 57 with health issues - went from describing COVID-19 as a politically motivated

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