Late-night shows may be on hiatus due to the coronavirus, but this hasn’t stopped Trevor Noah from delivering some well-needed laughs and reliable information.
The comedian shared a special message for fans Monday from his home with the hashtag, #AloneTogether. While confirming that the show will be on a hiatus, he also discussed the importance of keeping with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) regulations that strongly suggest washing your hands and limit social gatherings.
“We at the Daily Show have decided we’re not going to have any shows next week and we won’t record anything from the studio because we’re trying to do our part to socially distance ourselves,” he said.
He also explained the difference between social distancing and quarantines, which have caused panic and the spread of misinformation. “I know it’s confusing but social distancing means trying to stay away from people as much as possible. Six to ten feet if you have to be in public, but let’s try to stay away from bars and restaurants.” The tip comes after some news analysts suggested to go out a support local business, an idea that’s sweet in nature, but dangerous to practice.
Another rumor has spread about a national mandatory two-week quarantine that has floated around the web with the White House debunking it over the weekend. The Verge reports the note was spread throughout text messages in connection to The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, known as the Stafford Act.
“Please be advised. Within 48 to 72 hours the President will evoke what is called the Stafford Act,” it reads. “Stock up on whatever you guys need to make sure you have a two week supply of everything. Please forward to your network.”
Text message rumors of a national #quarantine are FAKE. There is no national lockdown. @CDCgov has and will continue to post the latest guidance on #COVID19. #coronavirus
— NSC 45 Archived (@WHNSC45) March 16, 2020
This isn’t true as the Stafford Act does not have a section that would give guidance to the federal government to enforce a mandatory quarantine. New York City mayor Bill de Blasio also debunked the rumor that Manhattan would be quarantined.
NO, there is NO TRUTH to rumors about Manhattan being quarantined. Whoever is spreading this misinformation, PLEASE STOP NOW!
— Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) March 12, 2020
The CDC has recommended people who might have COVID-19 symptoms to self-quarantine, in an effort to reduce their exposure to others.
Noah has promised to deliver some laughs during these trying times with jokes about families buying toiletries in bulk and more.
Check out his #AloneTogether message up top.