Jackson Browne (photo: Craig ONeal CC SA 2.0)
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Jackson Browne has tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by novel coronavirus.
Browne sought a test after experiencing multiple COVID-19 symptoms, including fever and coughing. Having started self-quarantining upon feeling ill, the 71-year-old responded to the positive test by continuing to stay inside his Los Angeles home, where he is currently recovering. Browne has no underlying health conditions and is not expected to require hospitalization.
Notably, Jackson Browne emphasized that a large portion of COVID-19 carriers will have mild or no symptoms, but will still be able to pass the infection on to at-risk persons. He also speculated that he contracted COVID-19 during a recent trip to New York. Yesterday, White House officials recommended that anyone who’s recently traveled to New York City self-quarantine for 14 days; close to half of the United States’ approximately 55,000 COVID-19 diagnoses have come from New York State.
Jackson Browne is perhaps the highest-profile music industry figure to test positive for COVID-19 to date, but other artists and executives have publicly revealed their diagnoses.
Spanish opera singer Placido Domingo came forward with his positive test earlier this week; the 79-year-old is said to be in “good health” and is self-quarantining with his family. And 10 days ago, Universal Music Group CEO Lucian Grainge tested positive for COVID-19 and started receiving treatment at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center.
Multiple actors, professional athletes, politicians, and other prominent figures have also tested positive for COVID-19.
Tom and Rita Hanks were diagnosed in Australia and are receiving treatment at a medical facility, and The Office star Idris Elba is self-quarantining at home. Kevin Durant was one of four Brooklyn Nets players to test positive for COVID-19, though he showed no symptoms.
And in Washington, D.C., Senator Rand Paul, Representative Mario Díaz-Balart, and Representative Ben McAdams have tested positive for COVID-19. The former two politicians are recovering at home (Senator Paul experienced no symptoms), while Representative McAdams is receiving hospital treatment, but is in stable condition.