Celebrity News March 22, 2020
Harvey Weinstein Contracts COVID-19: Report
As more and more household names come forward as having tested positive for COVID-19 — including Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky — it has now also become clear that the prison system is no safe refuge from its effects: Harvey Weinstein reportedly has the virus.
Page Six cites the Press-Republican newspaper out of Buffalo, New York, in reporting that Weinstein, who turned 68 this week, tested positive for COVID-19 and has been isolated from other inmates at Wende Correctional Facility, where he is currently serving a 23-year sentence for rape and sexual assault.
The state Department of Corrections would not confirm the report, but did confirm that two inmates at the facility have tested positive for the virus.
The Press-Republican, citing officials "familiar with the situation," claims Weinstein is believed to have been exposed to the virus prior to arriving at Wende on Wednesday from Rikers Island in New York City.
Michael Powers, New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association head, said, "There is no better breeding ground for this virus than a closed environment such as a correctional facility." He would not comment specifically on Weinstein.
The Oscar-winning producer, whose fall from grace kicked off the #MeToo movement, has been seen with a walker in recent times, and, according to The New York Times, underwent an angioplasty early this month to address heart issues.