Sharon Stone shares mask plea as she reveals her sister has been hospitalized with COVID-19

As the coronavirus pandemic continues across the world, the role of face masks in limiting the spread of the virus has become more and more prominent.

In many countries, face masks are now mandatory in certain settings, such as in shops and on public transport. However, a debate still rages on among some as to whether face coverings should be a mandatory requirement, or if people should be able to make their own mind up on whether to wear one.

This video shows the moment Donald Trump wore a mask in public for the first time:

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As such, more and more celebrities are taking to their social media accounts to urge their followers to wear a face mask when out and about in public.

Jennifer Aniston, for instance, shared a selfie where she can be seen looking straight into the camera. She wrote: "I understand masks are inconvenient and uncomfortable."

"But don't you feel that it's worse that businesses are shutting down... jobs are being lost... health care workers are hitting absolute exhaustion. And so many lives have been taken by this virus because we aren't doing enough."

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And meanwhile, Tom Hanks previously blasted those who weren't wearing face coverings. At a press conference to promote his movie Greyhound, Hanks said:

"Those things are so simple, so easy, if anybody cannot find it in themselves to practice those three very basic things – I just think shame on you. Don’t be a p----. Get on with it, do your part. It’s very basic. If you’re driving a car, you don’t go too fast, you use your turn signal and you avoid hitting pedestrians. My Lord, it’s common sense."

And now, actress Sharon Stone has taken to social media to issue a heartfelt plea of her own, after revealing that her sister - who has lupus - has been hospitalized with COVID-19.

Taking to Instagram to share her message, Stone wrote:

"My sister Kelly, who already has lupus, now has COVID-19. This is her hospital room. One of you Non-Mask wearers did this.
"She does not have an immune system.
"The only place she went was the pharmacy.
"There is no testing in her county unless you are symptomatic, & then it’s 5 day wait for results.
"Can YOU FACE THIS ROOM ALONE?
"Wear a mask! For yourself and others. Please"

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If you're curious to learn more about the science behind why face masks are important in limiting the spread of COVID-19, then Bill Nye recently broke it down in a series of TikTok videos. You can read more, and watch them, here.