As the nation grapples with slowing the spread of the coronavirus, some influencers have been apparently licking toilet seats. Now, one is in the hospital with the coronavirus.
Larz, an influencer based in Beverly Hills, recently took part in the TikTok “coronavirus challenge.” Shortly after, he revealed via Twitter on March 22 that he tested positive for COVID-19.
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Larz, who has since had his popular Twitter account (@GAYSHAWNMENDES) suspended, appeared briefly on Dr. Phil in early March to talk about participating in the challenge.
When asked about whether he might be “modeling really bad behavior for really young people,” Larz’s response in the footage above from the official Dr. Phil YouTube channel was that he, along with other influencers, was not telling other people to do what he was doing.
It’s unclear how many people took part in the “challenge.” But, Larz’s recent disclosure of his diagnosis suggests that there are very real consequences for actions that appear to fly in the face of basic conceptions of hygiene and personal safety in the time of a pandemic.
With social distancing and self-quarantining catching on as countries continue to crack down on COVID-19, and celebrities like Danny DeVito endorsing it with their platforms, hopefully, activities like the coronavirus challenge start to fall to the wayside.
READ MORE:
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H/T the Daily Mail
