Coronavirus

Police in 2 of America's biggest cities on lockdown are concerned coronavirus guidelines might also bring a rise in crime ... but they're ready to crack down.

TMZ spoke with several law enforcement sources in both L.A. and NYC, and we've been told cops are on high alert for scumbags looking to take advantage of the situation ... especially potential burglars.

Truth is, with so many businesses shut down ... retail shops, offices, clubs, bars, restaurants, liquor stores and more are extra vulnerable to break-ins. Not only are empty stores ripe for burglaries, but with hardly anybody on the streets ... there are no witnesses to thwart perps or help bust 'em, especially at night.

Because of this, our L.A. law enforcement sources say it's increasing patrols and police visibility all over the city and county, adding undercover units and keeping in contact with owners of establishments and community leaders as much as possible.

We're told officers in NYC have similarly been instructed to keep an eye out for wannabe burglars ... particularly during the overnight hours between midnight and 5 AM.

However, our NYPD sources say although there is a high-level of concern for a crime wave ... it's too early to tell if there's a spike. Regardless, we're told cops are doing everything in their power to keep businesses safe during this already difficult time.

The coronavirus outbreak is creating a boon for an erectile dysfunction product ... because couples apparently really want to get down while they're cooped up at home.

Here's the deal ... sales for The Rocket, a soundwave therapy device clinically proven to reverse the root cause of E.D., are through the roof as more and more cities go on 24-hour virus lockdown ... according to company honchos.

We're told the company saw their second-biggest sales day ever last weekend -- behind only Christmas Eve -- and Internet sales were up 20% this week overall.

So, who is behind the sales surge?!? We're told it's mostly adult men, but even some women are taking the initiative -- gotta love those go-getters!!!

FYI ... The Rocket is a home acoustic wave device that sends shocks to a male's private area to help with stimulation, and typical treatments take 20-25 minutes and are recommended once a week for 12 weeks to get results.

The best part ... you can still have sex during the 12-week process, if you can get it up ... and most folks have plenty of time on their hands these days.

Plastic surgeons can help a real cause ... donating much-needed medical equipment to help doctors combat the coronavirus.

TMZ's obtained this letter penned by the California Medical Association and sent to several prominent Beverly Hills plastic surgeons -- along with the rest of the state's outpatient surgery/procedural facilities -- to urgently redeploy resources to meet the coming increase demand for health care services.

What's more ... the CMA's also desperately trying to take an inventory of ventilation equipment that may be able to be redeployed to hospitals and other facilities currently dealing with COVID-19 patients. Specifically, hospitals are in dire need of masks and gowns.

Plastic surgeons across the state are also being asked to take a survey "to help identify our current health care resources as we all scramble to deal with the COVID-19 emergency."

If the CMA -- a professional organization representing California physicians -- says it's asking for as much equipment as possible, this could put a damper on celebs who may wanna take this time to get a touch up via their plastic surgeon.

As we first reported ... "Botched" star and doc Terry Dubrow says celebs are clamoring for plastic surgery while everyone is out of the public eye during the coronavirus pandemic.

Purell's hand sanitizer sales have skyrocketed in recent weeks amid the coronavirus pandemic, but it might have to use some of that money for legal fees ... it's been hit with a class action lawsuit alleging its germ-killing claims are BS.

Purell manufacturer, Gojo Industries, was sued last week in Ohio federal court by 4 individuals claiming the Purell packaging flaunts "misleading claims" about the effectiveness of its product.

According to the legal docs ... Purell's front label claims that it "kills 99.99% of illness causing germs" implies that figure is backed by scientific support, but the folks suing say none exists.

Likewise, the suit adds that Purell hand sanitizer claims to help prevent infection and diseases, but there's allegedly "no sound scientific evidence to support the claims."

The lawsuit also mentions a letter sent by the FDA to Gojo in January, which plaintiffs' claim describes Purell as "nothing more than a topical antiseptic," which was not safe and effective in preventing infection.

The coronavirus pandemic is giving new meaning to the March tradition of cutting down nets ... beaches across Los Angeles County are making sure no one plays volleyball.

L.A. County workers are busy cutting down volleyball nets across the Santa Monica Bay Friday, this only hours after California Governor Gavin Newsom ordered residents to stay home to help slow down the spread of the novel virus.

The decision to take volleyball off the table makes sense when you think about it ... everyone in a volleyball match touches the ball, and they're usually sweating and perspiring, which is not a good combination when it comes to COVID-19.

Despite the "Safer at Home" order for California residents, people can still go outside to walk and get exercise ... officials urged folks not to congregate at the beach, and now there's no way to get a volleyball game going.

Netflix is stepping up for its crews -- and others -- during the pandemic by creating a $100 million fund to provide relief to production staff suddenly forced into unemployment.

The streaming giant made the generous announcement Friday as signs grew of a global recession due to the coronavirus crisis. Netflix says, "Most of the fund will go towards support for the hardest hit workers on our own productions around the world."

The company went on to say, "We're in the process of working out exactly what this means, production by production. This is in addition to the two weeks pay we've already committed to the crew and cast on productions we were forced to suspend last week."

The fund will help non-Netflix workers too ... as the company said $15 million of the dough will go to third parties and non-profits providing emergency relief to out-of-work cast and crew in the countries where their productions are shot.

Several other relief funds, including SAG-AFTRA Covid-19 Disaster Fund and the Motion Picture and Television Fund will each get $1 mil from Netflix.

Netflix is also working with other regions where it has a big production presence -- Europe, Latin America and Asia -- to create a similar support fund.

The massive fund comes as the U.S. government tries to hammer out a trillion dollar relief bill for out of work Americans.

The president of Team USA Swimming has fired off a letter to the head of the U.S. Olympic Committee strongly urging for the 2020 Games to be postponed 1 year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Tim Hinchey -- President and CEO of USA Swimming -- feels it's unfair to force athletes to prepare for Tokyo 2020 while they're trying to follow government mandates urging them to quarantine and stay out of public places.

As we previously reported, Olympic training pools around the country have been shut down to protect the athletes from exposure to the COVID-19 virus ... leaving many swimmers without a place to work out while they prep for the biggest competition of their lives.

So, Hinchey sent a letter to Sarah Hirshland -- CEO of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee -- urging her to push for a 1-year postponement.

"As this global pandemic has grown, we have watched our athletes’ worlds be turned upside down and watched them struggle to find ways to continue to prepare and train – many for the biggest competitive opportunity of their lives."

"Our world class swimmers are always willing to race anyone, anytime and anywhere; however, pressing forward amidst the global health crisis this summer is not the answer."

"The right and responsible thing to do is to prioritize everyone’s health and safety and appropriately recognize the toll this global pandemic is taking on athletic preparations," Hinchey wrote.

"It has transcended borders and wreaked havoc on entire populations, including those of our respected competitors. Everyone has experienced unimaginable disruptions, mere months before the Olympic Games, which calls into question the authenticity of a level playing field for all."

Hinchey added ... "Our athletes are under tremendous pressure, stress and anxiety, and their mental health and wellness should be among the highest priorities."

"It is with the burden of these serious concerns that we respectfully request that the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee advocate for the postponement of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 by one year."

So far, Tokyo 2020 organizers are adamant the event will take place as scheduled in July 2020 -- and they're currently holding torch lighting ceremonies in Japan.

It's officially curtains for the XFL's season ... the league is shutting down due to coronavirus.

Vince McMahon's org. decided to postpone the re-inaugural season last week ... but given recent state regulations handed down across the country, there was no way the shop could stay open.

"The COVID-19 pandemic, and the most recent local and state regulations, have left the XFL no choice but to officially cancel the remainder of the 2020 season," the league said in a statement.

"This decision has been made with the health and safety of the entire XFL family as our top priority."

The league makes it crystal clear -- the XFL WILL be back in 2021, despite the rough ending to the 2020 season.

FYI -- the coronavirus made its way to the league just days ago ... with a Seattle Dragons player testing positive for the infection.

"When our teams return to the field, we’ll make every effort to ensure your faith in us is rewarded with even more fun and excitement. Your passion is our purpose, and everything we do, every day and for every season to come, is For the Love of Football."

Just 'cause we're all cooped up at home doesn't mean you can't getcha tan on while quarantining ... Exhibit A? UFC superstar Paige VanZant!!

"America's Sweetheart" gave an inside look on how she's social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic on Friday ... hitting IG with a much needed bikini selfie.

"Sunshine mixed with a little bit of quarantine," Paige said with a smile from her home in Oregon.

If you follow PVZ and her hubby, Bellator star Austin Vanderford, on social media ... you know they're finding ways to stay busy during these times. They've been working out, they're been goofing around ... but most importantly, they've been AVOIDING COVID-19!!!

And, if you're looking for entertainment, here's a shameless plug -- watch Paige host the awesome new Snapchat show "Fight School" ... where top UFC fighters teach our own TMZ producer Lucas how to execute their signature moves!!

Check it out ... 'cause you ain't got anything better to do.

Vanessa Bryant's trying to get affairs in order for her and her kids following Kobe's death, and coronavirus is making it difficult ... so she's asking the court for some help.

Vanessa filed legal docs asking a judge to appoint a guardian ad litem for her 2 daughters -- Bianka and Natalia -- as well as another for Capri ... as it pertains to modifying Kobe's trust to include Capri. This is a standard way of doing things -- judges routinely appoint guardians to represent the independent interests of the children -- but now she says it's urgent.

Why? Vanessa says "due to court closures caused by the global pandemic" there is major uncertainty with how the court system will stay open ... so she needs to get her ducks in a row STAT.

We broke the story ... Vanessa just filed other legal docs asking a judge to amend Kobe's trust to include their youngest daughter, 9-month-old Capri, who was born after Kobe last amended the trust.

New York is hitting pause amid the coronavirus pandemic ... the entire state is shutting down to protect residents from the outbreak.

New Yorkers will only be allowed to leave their homes for essential business, and all other workers are being told to stay home, as ordered by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who says there will be a civil fine and mandatory closure for any biz not in compliance.

Cuomo is calling this, "New York state on pause," and he says it's the most drastic action the state can take to fight the outbreak.

The shutdown rules -- remain indoors aside from solitary exercise outside, pre-screen all visitors and aides by taking temperatures, don't visit households with multiple people, vulnerable people should wear a mask around others, stay at least 6 feet away from individuals, only take public transportation if it's urgent and absolutely necessary.

Cuomo says the state has more than 7,000 confirmed coronavirus cases ... this out of more than 32,000 individual tests.

New York follows the entire state of California in putting non-essential workers on 24-hour virus lockdown ... meaning 1 in 5 Americans are being told to stay home.

Cuomo says the mandate is not a "shelter in place" order ... and he says mass transit workers, restaurant staff doing delivery and take-out count as essential workers and can still go to work.

Rebecca Gayheart and Eric Dane are showing a united front when combating the coronavirus ... while simultaneously remaining split, figuratively speaking.

The former couple was spotted out Thursday in L.A. leaving Target where they bagged a cart full of items. It's interesting ... you can see Rebecca wearing gloves while Eric apparently enjoys flying by the seat of his pants, cause he's pushing the cart with his bare hands.

Their kiddos, Billie and Georgia, came along for the ride and also kept it safe by wearing gloves. Worth mentioning ... most grocery stores/retail shops now offer sanitizing wipes at entrances to wipe down shopping carts. But still ... now's not the time to skip out on safety.

In any event, seems the family's hunkering down together during California's mandated lockdown. You'll recall Rebecca filed for divorce from Eric back in February 2018, but it seems hanging out together's nothing new.

The ex-couple was hanging out just a few months ago when they rang in the New Year. Ah, January. Simpler times.

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has teamed up with star players Luka Doncic and Dwight Powell to donate $500k to help healthcare workers battling the coronavirus pandemic.

The money will go to the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and Parkland Hospital and will be earmarked to support childcare for healthcare workers on the frontlines of the COVID-19 response effort.

"We can’t thank our healthcare workers enough for putting their patients’ well-being before their own," Cuban said.

"I am thankful to Luka and Dwight as we partner up to support healthcare workers who are doing everything they can to keep our community healthy."

Luka added, "“Thank you to our amazing healthcare workers. They are sacrificing so much to care for others, and I am honored to help.”

Daniel Podolsky, who runs UT Southwestern, issued a statement thanking the men for their donation.

"We are deeply grateful to the entire Dallas Mavericks organization, and especially to Mark, Dwight and Luka, for their incredible generosity in providing emergency childcare funding benefitting the frontline healthcare workers of UT Southwestern and Parkland."

Kylie Jenner's doing her patriotic duty at the request of the Surgeon General ... by telling her hundreds of millions of fans to stay home to help fight coronavirus.

Kylie posted on her Insta Story Thursday after SG Jerome Adams called for social media influencers to urge young people to take the pandemic seriously and start social distancing.

Kylie started by urging her followers to stay inside and self-quarantine, saying she herself is on her 9th day. She said though she's been posting daily reminders, Adams encouraged her to really hammer the point home.

She reminded her fans that young people are not immune to this -- in fact, a large portion of those hospitalized are young adults -- and there currently is no cure ... so all we can do is try to slow the virus down.

Jenner also shared some helpful advice on how to pass the time during these days of isolation ... and has an interesting reason for why she's done it before -- long before COVID-19.