Coronavirus D.C. Residents Packed in Like Sardines ... Shopping for Crab

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A super-popular weekend spot in the nation's capital was super dangerous Saturday, when crowds of people swarmed into a relatively tight space, squarely violating social distancing rules.

Check out the pic of the Wharf, where lots of locals descend to buy fresh seafood ... especially crab legs and shrimp.

D.C. has a stay-at-home order, but people are allowed to go out and shop.  Problem here ... they're WAY too close together. Notice the sign, warning people to stay 6 feet apart.

Some are wearing masks ... but most aren't.

It's actually pretty incredible because at this point you have to be living under a rock not to understand the need to keep your distance.

The Deputy Mayor shut the market down Saturday night.

As we reported, mayors of various cities have shut these open markets down. TMZ first reported, Katherine Schwarzenegger blew the whistle on shoppers at the Brentwood Farmers Market last weekend, and when she did Mayor Eric Garcetti swiftly shut the market down until safety measures were enacted.

Pastor Kenneth Copeland I'll Blow This Stinkin' Virus Away!!!

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CORONAVIRUS BLOWS

Well, this is frightening ... a Texas pastor is selling a new cure for the virus ... just blow it away.

Check out this video from Televangelist Kenneth Copeland, who sermonized to his congregation Thursday that with a little wind and heat, he could take the wind out of the sails of the deadly virus.

Copeland, who heads up the Copeland Ministries out of Fort Worth, has been in the biz for 52 years, but this sermon has gotta take the cake.

He has promised his congregants that the virus would end soon.

Let's hope Trump doesn't hear about the Pastor's "cure."

NFL Legend Tom Dempsey Dead at 73 From Coronavirus

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Tom Dempsey, a legendary NFL kicker who is best known for a spectacular game-winning field goal, died Saturday from complications from the coronavirus.

Dempsey, who was born without toes on his right foot and without fingers on his right hand, was able to excel as an NFL kicker with the help of specially-designed shoes.

As for the legendary kick, it went down in 1970.  Dempsey was the kicker for the New Orleans Saints when they played the Detroit Lions, and he shattered the field goal record by 7 yards, propelling it 63 yards. The record has since been matched by 5 kickers and it was shattered -- actually more like broken -- by Denver Bronco kicker Matt Prater in 2013, when he scored a field goal from 64 yards.

Dempsey also played for the Eagles, the Rams, the Oilers and the Bills during his 11-year career.

The Saints said, "The New Orleans Saints family is deeply saddened and heartbroken at this most difficult time. Tom's life spoke directly to the power of the human spirit and exemplified his resolute determination to not allow setbacks to impede following his dreams and aspirations." He exemplified the same fight and fortitude in recent years as he battled valiantly against illnesses but never wavered and kept his trademark sense of humor."

As for how Dempsey contracted the virus ... he was living in a New Orleans retirement home where 15 patients have died from the disease. Louisiana has really gone through it ... more than 12,400 confirmed cases. New Orleans, where many contracted the virus during Mardi Gras, has had 153 deaths so far.

Dempsey grew up in CA and played football at Palomar College in SoCal. After calling it quits with the Saints, he became an oilfield salesman, and later became a high school football coach and a car dealership manager.

Dempsey had been battling dementia for years.

He's survived by his wife and 3 kids.

Dempsey was 73.

RIP

Elton John Donates a Mil ... To Prevent HIV Positive People from Contracting Coronavirus

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Elton John has dug deep into his pockets only to pull out a million bucks to protect people living with HIV from contracting the coronavirus.

Sir Elton posted a video, saying, "Today, I’m proud to announce that my Foundation is launching a $1million COVID-19 Emergency Fund to make sure that our frontline partners can respond to the effects of COVID-19 on HIV care for the most marginalized communities around the world."

The singer, who also hosted last Sunday's coronavirus relief concert, Fox Presents the iHeart Living Room Concert for America, has been a driving force in combating the AIDS epidemic for 30 years. People with HIV often have compromised immune systems, so they can be especially vulnerable in contracting the disease.

Elton says, "Now and always, I’m committed to not leave anyone affected by HIV behind. Visit http://ejaf.org/covid19 for more info. Sending love to all of our Foundation’s partners, grantees, supporters, frontline workers and members of our community during this time."

'Tiger King' Star Jeff Lowe Hot Nanny Says She's Real Deal ... But Part-Time Only

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Jeff Lowe -- Joe Exotic's ex-business partner and mentor -- raised eyebrows on 'Tiger King' over his search for a nanny and has folks speculating it's all a stunt ... but the nanny in question tells TMZ -- she's legit, just not full-time.

Masha Diduk is the hot nanny Jeff and his pregnant wife, Lauren, wanted to hire on the Netflix docuseries, and Masha tells us ... she was indeed hired by the couple in September to care for their daughter.

She says she actually met Jeff and Lauren 4 years ago in Las Vegas -- where she lives and works as a model -- back when they drove to Sin City with a few tiger cubs ... as those who have seen 'Tiger King' recall.

We're told Masha's agreement was to work part-time as their baby girl's caretaker during business hours at Jeff's Oklahoma zoo -- mostly on weekends -- which she's been doing recently.

The nanny recently appeared with Jeff, Lauren and the baby on "Lights Out with David Spade," and rumors began swirling she was paid by Jeff to be there simply for the TV interview ... but she says that's not true.

Masha tells us her Vegas work has dried up because of the pandemic -- and Jeff's been busy moving the zoo to a new location -- so she really has been with the family taking care of baby Sarah.

Granted, the timing with the release and popularity of 'Tiger King' is suspicious at best.

As for 'Tiger King' ... Masha says it's entertaining, but she feels the producers twisted some things about Jeff. She says it made it seem like Jeff mistreated animals the way Joe Exotic did, but that's wrong ... and she wouldn't work for him if he did.

Coronavirus Super-Creative, Homemade Masks

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If necessity really is the mother of invention, then lots of folks have stepped up with their own ways of staying relatively safe during the coronavirus pandemic.

Check out our gallery of homemade protective masks or reasonable facsimiles thereof. From party hats to a giant water bottle ... they hopefully do the trick.

As you know, or should know by now, we're all being advised not to wear the professional-grade masks which are in extremely short supply and reserved for frontline health care workers, so the creative ones are welcome by all.

As for how to make a homegrown mask, the CDC recommends it fit snugly but comfortably and secured with ties or ear loops. It should also include multiple layers of fabric and allow for unrestricted breathing. It should also be laundry friendly.

The CDC has recommended wearing face coverings when out in public, but some members of the Coronavirus Task Force are now urging us to stay clear of grocery stores and pharmacies for the next 2 weeks ... which is going to be a rough period for all of us.

Demi Lovato, Max Ehrich Grocery Shopping Cover Up!!!

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Demi Lovato and Max Ehrich are here to show you how it's done when you venture out for some grub!!!

Demi and Max, the newly-minted couple who are self-quarantining, hit up Erewhon organic market in L.A. Saturday, and they were following recommendations from the top down -- when you venture out, protect yourself and others.

In case you've been under a rock -- which, in many ways we all have -- we're all supposed to act in public as if we have the disease because a mask and gloves can prevent others from contracting it.

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Max, whose credits include "Young and the Restless" and "American Princess," gave us a peek into his and Demi's life this week, along with her trusted pooch, Batman.

Demi and Max got together recently and this is the test for many couples ... spending 24/7 together during the stay-at-home order.

Spielberg, Capshaw, Pfeiffer, Kelly L.A. Power Walk!!!

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If you forgot what it looks like when Hollywood titans meet up for chitchat, take a peek at this.

The likes of Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw joined married couple Michelle Pfeiffer and David E. Kelley as they walked their Pacific Palisades neighborhood on the westside of L.A.

They meandered around the hood late afternoon for about an hour, and were yakking it up the whole time.

Hard to tell from the pic if they're properly social distancing -- 6 feet of separation, please.

L.A. has been a mixed bag when it comes to the stay-at-home order. Many beaches, hiking trails and open-air markets have been crowded this week, despite orders by the Mayor and the Governor.

The famous quartet did what lots of people are doing ... taking a walk, stretching, getting some air and trying to avoid going stir crazy.

Pharrell Williams Good Genes or Good Docs?!

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Will Pharrell Williams' good looks ever really die!

Here is a 29-year-old version of the Grammy award-winning artist looking his best in his signature N.E.R.D. hat at a launch party in New York City while he made waves as The Neptunes with his longtime friend and music partner Chad Hugo back in 2002 (left).

And, 18 years later ... The trendsetter is spending this weekend celebrating his 47th birthday. The BBC boss and producer was last spotted sporting his Benjamin Button looks at Paris Fashion Week earlier this year (right).

He's got a lot to be happy about!

The question is ...

April Shower Babes Wash You Were Here!

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Bring on the April showers ... but only if it includes these famous faces who are delivering good, clean, fun and help us ring in the new month with their wet hotshots.

With everyone talking about washing their hands for twenty seconds ... feel free to soak in these ladies that are bringing a whole new meaning to spring-cleaning for as long as you want!

Scrub away the bad energy with these hot shots of babes like Alessandra Ambrosio, Gigi Hadid, Natalie Nunn, Sofia Richie and many more in the shower for a cleansing Sunday funday but consider yourself warned ... you may need a cold shower afterward.

Coronavirus Social Distancing L.A. Beachgoers Hit the Sand, Trails ... Despite Beach Closures

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For some crazy reason, way too many Los Angelenos are hell-bent on violating the mandatory closures in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, and in some ways, as the news gets worse, the problems with social distancing increase.

The number of folks on the sand has increased all week in the L.A. area, partly because the weather is good and partly because people want out of their apartments and houses.

Check out the beach in Marina del Rey ... an increasing number of landlubbers are hitting the sand despite mandatory beach closures in L.A. County.

People are using the beach to sun, exercise, surf, paddleboard and walk their dogs -- all of which is now illegal.  Problem is ... there have been no cops patrolling many of the areas and it seems people are not being shooed off the beach or given a ticket. Just a mile south, we've heard cops are out in force ticketing anyone who dares to hit the sand in Hermosa Beach ... but only in sections, it would seem. There too ... social distancing is often being poo-pooed.

The photos in the gallery (above) of a trail bordering Hermosa Beach -- which appears to be out of view from the main roads and general public -- show it's FLOODED with dog walkers and hikers, who aren't even close to being six feet apart.

There have been lots of problems in the L.A. area. Just a few days ago, folks jammed into the Santa Monica Farmers Market.

And, as TMZ first reported, Katherine Schwarzenegger got in touch with L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti this week to shut down the Brentwood Farmers Market, which was jam-packed just a week ago.

American Airlines Passenger Boards Flight w/ One Other ... Empty Cabins New Normal

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Just about every industry in America is being hit hard by the coronavirus -- but when you have the whole plane pretty much to yourself ... you know airlines are especially screwed.

Meet Dan Nolan, who took an American Airlines flight Saturday from Newburgh, NY to Philly, and would later connect to an L.A. flight. Along the way, he walked into an empty cabin -- save for one other passenger traveling with him -- and it truly made for a surreal scene.

Rows and rows of empty seats, except for Dan and other fella. Yeah, he had some fun with it ... but this reality is becoming more and more common. And, frankly, it's concerning on a number of fronts.

For one, it's a testament to how doused the air travel industry is with coronavirus woes right now. Very few are flying at the moment, and airlines have cut back their flight schedules significantly. Meanwhile, the government hasn't shut 'em down yet -- as they're deemed essential. The more and more of this we see, though, might change that.

Frankly, it's probably more expensive to operate these planes and flights -- even just the domestic ones -- than the money they're seeing coming in from anyone booking tickets. At the end of the day, airlines might have to seriously self-regulate to avoid going under.

The new stimulus package that just passed will certainly help in avoiding that, but still ... the longer this goes on, the more dire it becomes. Not just that, but some flight attendants have also expressed concerns about having to continue working, worrying about getting sick.

Circling back to Dan, he says there was just one flight attendant on-board, and she did the whole safety spiel. No cart service, but more upsetting -- no upgrade from coach ... seriously.