Coronavirus

A popular restaurant forced to close its normal business due to coronavirus guidelines, transitioned into a pop-up grocery store, but the health department put the kibosh on that too ... and the restaurant's pissed.

Bacari PDR in Playa Del Rey shut down its restaurant and kitchen last week, but obviously, it still had a lot of food and supplies in its inventory.

So, it began selling fresh produce, meat and toiletry items to the local community to try to make ends meet during the difficult financial times ... along with helping residents find essential groceries they might have struck out on elsewhere.

The L.A. County Health Department wasn't having it, though. Bacari says a representative showed up Friday at the restaurant-turned-market and shut it down ... because it doesn't have a grocery license.

The restaurant's understandably upset and is blasting the L.A. County government for shutting them down. Bacari maintains it was just "trying to survive, and getting much-needed supplies to the neighborhood."

The catch-22 for Bacari is they've been told the health dept. is not accepting new grocery applications due to the pandemic -- which is, of course, the only reason Bacari's in this situation! The restaurant has reached out to Mayor Eric Garcetti to try to rectify the situation.

We're told at least 2 other restaurants nearby, in Manhattan Beach and Santa Monica, are doing what Bacari PDR was doing, but it's unclear if they've also been forced to close.

We've reached out to the health dept. ... no word back, so far.

As for what Bacari was selling ... stuff like avocados, tomatoes, loaves of bread, shredded cheese, lettuce, chicken and other meat -- all for pretty reasonable prices.

Criss Angel's eyes are not deceiving him ... the Vegas strip has almost literally emptied out in wake of the coronavirus but he says when the time is right, it'll be ready for a comeback.

Criss joined "TMZ Live" Friday from his office and says it's been eerie to see Sin City -- the Entertainment Capital of the World -- come to a screeching halt as the COVID-19 pandemic triggers cities across the country shutdown.

But, he did more than just explain how the city's coping without the millions of tourists ... he showed us just how insanely empty the strip is at this moment. You can see him walking down one of the strip's main arteries as he made his way to Planet Hollywood.

The streets are quite literally empty ... safe for a hop-on/hop-off bus that appeared to be completely empty. Criss, wearing an air mask, walks down the middle of the road. The sidewalks are totally empty too.

Check out the video ... Criss says during the worst of times -- like the Depression or during wars -- entertainment has always been everyone's escape. This pandemic, however, has created an unprecedented moment because it's literally shut down the entertainment business.

Vin Scully is GUARAN-DAMN-TEEING America will win its battle with COVID-19 ... saying he's seen the U.S. battle back from far worse issues in the past -- like World War II.

"I've seen this country -- the greatest country on Earth -- get off its knees, literally and figuratively," the legendary Dodgers announcer says. "When they were down and out during the Depression."

"And, when they were on their knees after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. And, what happened then? They unleashed a tiger!"

The 92-year-old broadcaster says he's got no doubts the U.S. of A. will do the same in a short time when it comes to the coronavirus pandemic.

"The tiger was the whole country pulling together and getting not only get back on its feet, but saving the whole world," he said. "So, you and I, yeah, things are tough. But, we'll be up off our knees soon!"

In the meantime, Scully's advice on how to deal with the quarantine blues is simple ... "Spend the precious time at home with your family."

"Pray a little bit more like most of us will do. And above all, try to smile. Because when you smile, that makes everybody else feel better."

It's always smart to have a backup plan ... and the L.A. Rams are putting one together for season ticket holders if 2020 NFL games get scrapped due to coronavirus.

The team sent out a letter to Rams Nation explaining how they're planning to handle things if the COVID-19 pandemic screws up the NFL schedule.

First up ... the refund policy:

"If a game is canceled and cannot be rescheduled, or is played under conditions that prohibit fans from attending (for example, if a public authority restricts gatherings to no more than a small number of people), and you are a Rams Season Ticket Member, you will receive a pro-rata refund of your season ticket purchase price for any impacted games, or the option to credit that amount toward future playoff or regular season full season tickets for the 2021 season."

"For example, if two games were not played during the 2020 season, you would receive a refund or credit for the face value of your tickets for the two games lost."

Fair enough ... but wait, there's more!

The Rams say they understand some fans are being hit hard in the pocketbook due to the pandemic -- so they're pushing back their season ticket payment deadline to June 1.

So far, the NFL is pushing forward as if they'll be on a normal schedule -- with the draft set to go down in April.

NOOOOO!!!!

Doris Burke -- America's most beloved sportscaster (sorry Joe Buck) -- just revealed she tested positive for coronavirus ... but she's already on the mend!

54-year-old Burke -- who's been calling NBA games for years -- appeared on "The Woj Pod" and spelled it out to Adrian Wojnarowski.

"I did test positive for COVID-19 and basically, my first symptoms looking back on it was March 11, which was the day I was broadcasting Denver at Dallas, which was obviously when Rudy Gobert tested positive," Burke said.

Burke says it took several days before she got her test results back -- finally, the Health Dept. called her with the news.

"So, the delay of the test results allowed me to wrap my mind around the idea that I did have this. I basically was in my own bedroom, by myself, for 2 weeks away from my daughter and her fiance. My daughter was the one cooking me meals, bringing me everything, and we're gonna continue the social distance. I am out of my room. Thank God."

Kim Kardashian West has jumped on ship with countless other celebs -- including her sister -- in donating a massive amount to help battle the coronavirus pandemic.

Kim just announced her SKIMS shapewear will be supporting mothers and children in need at this time with a $1 million donation. She says the money will specifically benefit families affected by COVID-19.

She says in order to bring relief to those hit hardest by the pandemic, SKIMS is restocking its original collection Monday ... and a cool mil in proceeds will be donated.

Kim's announcement comes a day after Kylie Jenner's million-dollar donation for coronavirus relief efforts. Her charitable contribution will go toward the production of face masks and other protective gear to be used by healthcare workers.

Designer Michael Costello is answering the call to help medical pros protect themselves while treating COVID-19 patients ... by making much-needed masks.

The "Project Runway" darling from season 8 was hard at work Friday in his DTLA factory when he joined us on "TMZ Live." Michael's converted his operation to crank out medical and non-medical grade masks ... instead of haute couture gowns.

MC says his seamstress team is practicing social-distancing while at work ... spacing out their sewing stations. Their mission is to do as much as possible to answer L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti's call for 5 million masks through the new L.A. Protects initiative.

Michael says he'll donate these masks to first-responders, hospitals and other medical facilities in desperate need for the equipment.

Check out the video ... Costello also called on other L.A. fashion designers to join the cause, and showed us some of his team's handiwork. It's admirable, to say the least, considering L.A. is bracing for a massive wave of COVID-19 patients.

John Kerry didn't hold anything back on the lone representative in the House opposing the coronavirus stimulus bill, calling him an a-hole and an idiot ... and President Trump's impressed.

It seems Democrats and Republicans have come together not only to form the Save Our Workers Bill, but to skewer Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie ... who happens to be a Republican.

Not long after POTUS called him a "third rate Grandstander" and pushed for him to get kicked out of the party, Kerry chimed in saying ... "Congressman Massie has tested positive for being an a**hole."

He added about Massie ... "He must be quarantined to prevent the spread of his massive stupidity. He's given new meaning to the term #Masshole."

Trump replied, commending Kerry for his good sense of humor.

It's no laughing matter, though ... Massie's opposition to the bill is forcing members of Congress to return to Washington for a potential roll call and in-person vote on the bill, instead of passing it via voice vote.

As you may know ... some representatives have already tested positive for COVID-19 and are quarantining, so they won't be able to make the trip.

For others, a gathering in Washington means an increased risk of coronavirus exposure for the lawmakers ... along with a delay in the bill getting passed.

TMZ broke the story, some representatives complained weeks ago that the Capitol was still open to visitors and lobbyists and begged for the leadership to close the doors on visitors, but that didn't happen. One of the congressmen told us he's tested positive.

R. Kelly's got NO business getting out of jail -- regardless of the coronavirus -- according to the family of his GF, Joycelyn Savage.

The Savage family's attorney, Gerald Griggs, says ... if Kelly is released, it would place Joycelyn "back into the hands of a predator." Not only that, but the family claims it would also put her at risk to potentially be infected by COVID-19.

Joycelyn's family says it believes the best option for her is to continue to "socially and physically distance herself" from Kelly, adding that he is "right where he belongs" -- penned up in Chicago MCC while he awaits trial in Illinois federal court.

We broke the story ... the disgraced singer asked to be released from jail over fears he could be infected with the coronavirus. He wants to be released on bond and says he's willing to wear electronic monitoring.

However, Kelly says he'd live with Joycelyn at an apartment complex in Chicago if he gets out, but clearly ... that's the last thing her family wants to see happen.

For the record ... Kelly has not tested positive for COVID-19, and Joycelyn has not had any contact with her family since a confrontation outside a courthouse in January.

Another one of Kelly's alleged victims, Lisa Van Allen, had an even stronger reaction to his request for release. She tells us, "This isn't Monopoly, there is no get out of jail free card! Not for an infected toe or for a pandemic! You do the crime, you do the time, just like the rest of the inmates!"

The massive U.S. Navy Hospital Ship Mercy has finally arrived ... just in time to help ease pressure on L.A. hospitals bracing for a tsunami of coronavirus cases.

Mercy docked in the L.A. Port Friday morning after making the trek from San Diego. It's quite a sight ... the ship's being flanked by a fleet of what appears to be U.S. Coast Guard boats. The scene offers one helluva juxtaposition ... L.A.'s desperate help to combat a global crisis with a picturesque backdrop of sunshine and palm trees.

Mercy, which left San Diego on Monday, will provide 1,000 hospital beds, extra doctors, nurses and other staff. The ship is expected to treat patients who do NOT have coronavirus ... freeing up resources such as ventilators and intensive care units at brick and mortar hospitals.

L.A. officials fear they have not seen the worse yet nearly 2 weeks after California Governor Gavin Newsom and L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti issued a "shelter-in-place" order. So far, there have been 21 deaths and more than 1,220 cases -- a 52% jump since Wednesday -- in L.A. County alone.

L.A.'s needs are so intense ... ABC shows "Grey's Anatomy" and "Station 19" are donating medical supplies -- such as hundreds of N95 masks and gowns -- to hospital staff working to combat the deadly outbreak.

Huge news out of Utah ... where the state Dept. of Health says it has "cleared" Jazz players and staff to leave isolation after 2 players tested positive for coronavirus.

Remember, Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell were the first two NBA athletes to test positive for COVID-19 roughly 2 weeks ago, prompting the league to postpone the season indefinitely.

The rest of the Utah Jazz team -- including players, coaches and staff -- were all tested and ordered into isolation to try and reduce the chances of exposing anyone else.

But, Friday morning, the Utah Dept. of Health gave the green light to rejoin their families.

"As of today, Friday, March 27, all Utah Jazz players and staff have been cleared by the Utah Department of Health after completing their respective periods of isolation and quarantine following exposure to COVID-19."

"In accordance with CDC and NBA recommendations, all players and staff will continue to practice social distancing while limiting time outside of their homes to essential activities."

Hoda Kotb couldn't hold back her tears as she said goodbye to NFL star Drew Brees ... becoming overwhelmed with emotion because of his astounding act of kindness to combat the pandemic.

The tearful scene played out Friday morning as Hoda chatted with Drew on "Today" about his $5 million donation to Louisiana to help the state's coronavirus relief efforts.

But, watch ... immediately after she thanked Drew and told him "we love ya" she got really choked up, before openly sobbing.

Savannah Guthrie tried to console her, saying, "It's a lot. I know where your heart is, my dear" before offering to read Hoda's tease.

It's easy to see where all that emotions coming from -- Hoda established deep roots in Louisiana after working there for years earlier in her career. So, speaking to New Orleans Saints QB about the pandemic and his generosity ... was too much.

Louisiana, of course, is reportedly experiencing the fastest growth in new cases in the world. The governor there said the current trajectory of case growth is similar to those in Spain and Italy ... so Drew's donation to help local orgs combat COVID-19 will go a long way.

This is bad for football fans ... ESPN star Kirk Herbstreit says he'd be "shocked" if there was NFL or college football in 2020 -- explaining it's just too dangerous with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The "College Gameday" host went on ESPN radio late Thursday and spelled out why he's so pessimistic about seeing America's biggest sport on the biggest stages.

"I'll be shocked if we have NFL football this fall, if we have college football. I'll be so surprised if that happens," Kirk said.

"Just because from what I understand, people that I listen to, you're 12 to 18 months from a [coronavirus] vaccine. I don't know how you let these guys go into locker rooms and let stadiums be filled up and how you can play ball. I just don't know how you can do it with the optics of it."

Kirk said if he was the NFL commish or in charge of the NCAA, he would shut it down ASAP -- "Next thing you know you got a locker room full of guys that are sick. And that's on your watch? I wouldn't want to have that."

"As much as I hate to say it, I think we're scratching the surface of where this thing's gonna go."

Kirk also says he doesn't think people realize how much time college and NFL coaches need to properly prepare their teams for the long season.

"You don't all of the sudden come up with something in July or August and say, 'Okay we're good to go' and turn 'em loose!"

Betty White is safe and sound at home, and her legion of fans worried about her health can take comfort ... our national treasure is being careful.

Sources close to the Hollywood legend tell TMZ ... Betty's in good health as she continues to self-isolate at her Los Angeles estate. We're told she has very limited in-person interactions, and she's only coming in contact with people being equally cautious of the virus.

Our sources say 98-year-old Betty's essential errands, like groceries, are being taken care of for her so she never has to leave the house.

As you know ... Los Angeles is under a "stay-at-home order" where folks are only supposed to leave their homes for limited exercise and essential business. We're told Betty is spending all of her time inside and relaxing through her quarantine.

Exactly the news we all wanna hear.

Switzerland is lighting up the Matterhorn to send a powerful message to its people ... as the country's being hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.

The iconic 14,600-foot mountain in the Alps was illuminated with a projection of the word "#hope" over the colors of the Swiss flag. The mountainside shines over the nearby ski resort town of Zermatt. They also projected "#stayhome" on the mountainside.

The new beacon comes as Switzerland has surpassed 10,000 cases of COVID-19 ... the fifth European nation to do so.

Zermatt says the light display is meant to "show solidarity with all the people who are currently suffering and are grateful to all those who are helping to overcome the crisis."

The Matterhorn's illumination was done by Swiss light artist Gerry Hofstetter and will appear every night from after sunset until 11 PM ... for the foreseeable future.