Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson return safely to US following coronavirus diagnosis

WASHINGTON (SBG) - Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson have announced they are home in the United States following a coronavirus diagnosis and quarantine in Australia.

Hanks issued the tweet Saturday afternoon, saying they are "sheltering in place" and "social distancing" like many other Americans.

The actor also thanked the medical staff that provided treatment to both he and his wife.

"Their care and guidance made it possible for our return to the USA," tweeted Hanks.

He also thanked the many people who reached out with well-wishes while they were sick and recuperating.

Hanks first tweeted on March 11 that he and Wilson contracted COVID-19 during a trip to Australia. They described feeling "tired, like we had colds and some body aches."

The couple issued a number of updates saying they were folding laundry, napping and playing Gin Rummy as they recovered.

Coronavirus cases worldwide have surpassed 640,000 as of Saturday afternoon, according to The Associated Press. U.S. cities like cities, including Detroit, Chicago, and New Orleans, have emerged as hot spots for the virus.

New York City is currently considered the epicenter for COVID-19.