Coronavirus

The long arm of the law isn't backing down from the highly-contagious coronavirus ... and while cops are taking some precautions, they're just used to facing danger at every turn.

Cops across the country are telling us the same thing ... they're not afraid to arrest and interact with suspects, break up fights or subdue people in the face of a deadly pandemic.

Our law enforcement sources in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Miami and Green Bay tell us their officers face much bigger dangers every day on the force -- bullets, cars, staph infections etc. -- and most cops are under the age of 55, so they feel less at risk.

Sources tell TMZ ... at the LAPD, COVID-19 is just another occupational hazard, and officers are being instructed to wear gloves and not touch their face. We're told cops are still gonna get hands-on with suspects if they have to -- they're not just gonna let s*** hit the fan -- and the virus won't stop anyone from doing their job.

As we first reported ... one woman's already been arrested for allegedly threatening to cough on a cop and spread the virus.

Our sources tell us L.A. Sheriff's Department deputies are using caution when responding to calls, and if they're not sure how to handle a situation they're being told to call a supervisor. We're told LASD is picking and choosing battles, but if deputies need to get hands-on, they will ... and they're carrying special coronavirus kits.

Law enforcement sources tell us the NYPD has its officers wearing masks and gloves and exercising caution ... but laws still gotta be enforced, and that's what the NYPD is doing.

Our sources also tell us cops in Chicago are also being cautious, but they still have to answer calls and nothing's changed on that front.

Ditto for police in Miami, though sources say cops might not respond to calls where a police report can be taken over the phone. Still, we're told cops will still get in the mix when it's necessary.

Law enforcement sources tell us police in Green Bay are educating themselves on the virus, and they want officers to have access to safety tools like wipes and gloves. In the meantime, cops are taking more reports over the phone and will respond to calls when needed.

The UFC has officially postponed its next 3 events -- but Dana White tells TMZ Sports Khabib vs. Tony Ferguson WILL HAPPEN ... though there might be a few changes.

Of course, Dana White had been working like crazy to keep fights on as scheduled during the COVID-19 outbreak -- from finding replacement fighters to banning fans from attending UFC Fight Night in Brazil this past weekend.

But, it's clear the situation has become so serious that White deciding to postpone the UFC's next 3 events which were supposed to take place in London, Columbus and Portland.

We just spoke with White, who says the UFC is actively working with the fighters and other important people to reschedule the events -- including UFC 249 -- which was originally scheduled for Brooklyn.

Some people think the main event -- Khabib Vs. Tony -- fight is cursed ... with the fight being called off 4 times in the past. White is adamant the show will go on this time around ... no matter what.

Cleveland Browns linebacker Mack Wilson wasn't too concerned about "social distancing" this weekend -- dude turned up at a St. Patricks's Day party this weekend ... and posted the footage on social media!

Despite the growing coronavirus pandemic, the 22-year-old hit up Twin Peaks (it's a sports-bar restaurant) in Montgomery Alabama on Saturday night where he got his drink and his dance on with a bunch of friends.

Of course, health officials have been saying to STOP LARGE GATHERINGS as a matter of public health ... but Wilson didn't heed the warning. Hopefully, Wilson and all of his friends are okay ... but people, BE CAREFUL!!!

San Francisco is going the way of Italy with its coronavirus safety measures -- the Mayor's instituting around-the-clock curfew, banning almost everyone from leaving their homes.

Mayor London Breed announced what she calls a "defining moment" in U.S. response to the pandemic. Beginning at 12 AM, all residents within the city can only leave home for doctor's appointments or runs to the grocery store.

It's the strictest new policy enacted in the nation, and matches the current rules in Italy ... which has been the 2nd hardest-hit country in the world.

The Mayor says the rule will remain in effect for at least the next 3 weeks.

In addition, to the city shut down, 6 Bay Area counties are telling residents to "shelter in place." That means ... unless your work falls under the list of "essential businesses," you've been ordered to stay home.

That list of essential businesses includes health care operations, grocery stores, shelters, media outlets, gas stations and banks. Restaurants can remain open, but only for takeout and delivery.

Awesome gesture from Tyreek Hill ... the Super Bowl champ is donating 6,000 meals to those affected by coronavirus closures in K.C. -- and now, he's challenging Pat Mahomes to do the same.

Hill made the announcement Monday ... saying he was partnering with Harvesters in the Chiefs' hometown to help families who counted on free breakfasts and lunches from schools that are now closed due to the pandemic.

"As the world endures a difficult time due to COVID-19, I am happy to partner with @harvesters to donate 6,000 meals to families," Hill said.

FYI, Harvesters is a food bank that helps out the needy in the Missouri/Kansas area ... and it's a cause Hill is clearly happy to support.

In fact, the superstar receiver asked his QB, Mahomes, his tight end, Travis Kelce, and several other Chiefs to pitch in for the good cause as well.

Seems the guys might take Hill up on the offer ... Kelce responded to Hill's message with a bunch of hands up emojis.

Of course, Hill promised the Chiefs and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell last summer that he would work to clean up his image after a myriad of issues with his ex-GF and one of their children this off-season.

Kid Rock's Nashville honky tonk says it will NOT shut down over coronavirus ... despite the city's orders ... and Kid's joint ain't alone in taking this defiant stand.

Restaurateur Steve Smith -- who co-owns Kid Rock's Big Ass Honky Tonk & Steakhouse -- put out a blistering response Sunday to Nashville Mayor John Cooper's recent directive that all bars in town close up, and restaurants cut their capacity in half.

The move -- which several other cities across the country are starting to implement -- is in direct response to the coronavirus pandemic -- but even so, Smith is saying ... kick rocks to the government.

He says rather matter of factly, "We appreciate the efforts of Mayor Cooper to combat the COVID-19 virus, but unless there's a statewide mandate that directs all bars and restaurants to be closed, the request made by Mayor Cooper is unconstitutional as he is targeting a select group of businesses."

Smith adds, "[A] Tootsie's patron as immediate as last night, mentioned having lived through the polio epidemic and didn't recall such extreme measures being handed down in history." He continues, "In response, Tootsies Orchid Lounge, Rippy's, Honky Tonk Central, Kid Rock's Big Ass Honky Tonk & Steakhouse and The Diner will continue to remain open to serve the public until such statewide mandate is issued from the Governor of Tennessee."

Smith's snub of the Mayor comes after a viral video captured the scene this weekend inside a downtown Nashville bar -- the joint was packed with patrons, out and about without a care.

Interestingly enough, Kid Rock himself hasn't spoken on the issue of closing up yet -- even though he co-owns one of the bars threatening to stay open.

Heidi Klum's husband is rolling the dice ... because he decided to venture out into some busy public spaces while awaiting the results of his coronavirus test!!!

Heidi's hubby, Tom Kaulitz, went shopping for groceries Sunday with his brother, Bill Kaulitz, at the super-popular Los Angeles supermarket, Erewhon Market ... this after falling ill and getting tested for the deadly virus.

Tom and Bill wore face masks and gloves during their grocery run ... but masks and gloves aren't a steel curtain.

Heidi says ... "Like many of you, I also have been sick all week and, unfortunately, my husband who returned from his tour a couple of days ago is also feeling ill. To be safe, we are staying apart until we get the results of our coronavirus tests.”

NFL has officially canceled the massive 2020 NFL Draft event in Las Vegas -- but the league is adamant the selection process will go on ... and it WILL be televised.

The league had been heavily promoting the event, scheduled to kick off on April 23rd at the Caesars Forum on the Strip.

Thousands of fans, players, team execs and production crew members were expected to attend -- but now with the coronavirus pandemic in full swing, the NFL has called an audible.

"In consideration of current information related to COVID-19 and guidance from medical experts such as the CDC, and in coordination with public authorities in Nevada and the City of Las Vegas, the NFL will modify its plans for the 2020 NFL Draft," the league says.

"The clubs' selection of players will proceed as scheduled April 23-25. The NFL is exploring innovative options for how the process will be conducted and will provide that information as it becomes available. The selection process will be televised."

In other words, the NFL Draft has become such a ratings monster in recent years, the league does NOT want to scrap the entire event. They're working on a Plan B just without the large crowds.

Vegas was stoked about the Draft, especially with the Raiders moving to town and building a brand new stadium.

Bumble and Tinder are helping lonely folks swipe left on the coronavirus by urging users who want to keep hooking up during the outbreak to take a few extra precautions.

Tinder's warning users about the dangers of meeting up during a pandemic, and they're blasting out an in-app notice to make sure people take heed.

The notice reminds folks still jonesin' for up close and personal meetings to use protection -- which, in this case, means washing hands, carrying sanitizer, maintaining "social distance" in public gatherings and not touching faces!!! No matter how hot the date.

As for Bumble, company honchos tell TMZ ... global customer service teams are standing by to handle questions or concerns from users, but they're also directing customers to CDC and WHO sites for up-to-date info.

Bumble also wants to remind you ... it's possible to get to know someone without meeting offline -- actual phone calls (gasp!!!) and video chats can work, too, if you're on lockdown.