Jared Leto leaves 12-day 'isolation' retreat and just finds out about coronavirus

Jared Leto was in a quarantine pod and didn't even know it. The Oscar winner emerged from a nearly two-week retreat on Sunday only to learn about the severity of the coronavirus.

Leto revealed on social media he had "no idea what was happening" in the world.

"Wow. 12 days ago I began a silent meditation in the desert," he wrote on Monday. "We were totally isolated. No phone, no communication etc. We had no idea what was happening outside the facility."

Leto said he "walked out... into a very different world."

"Mind blowing — to say the least," the 48-year-old continued. "I'm getting messages from friends and family all around the globe and catching up on what's going on. Hope you and yours are ok."

The Suicide Squad actor concluded by encouraging his 10 million followers to "stay inside" and "stay safe."

Leto's situation is similar to what's going on with casts of Big Brother in the US and in Australia.

The show, which finds contestants isolated from the outside world, is currently filming in Germany, Brazil and Canada. A spokesperson confirmed production will break protocol in the US.

"The health and wellbeing of Big Brother Housemates is our priority. All current productions were informed last week that the usual format rules regarding outside news do not apply in this instance, and it was requested that they inform their respective housemates of the evolving situation regarding COVID-19," a rep announced. "The majority of Housemates have already been briefed and this process will be complete today (17th March)."

Contestants on Big Brother Germany will be informed Tuesday of the coronavirus pandemic. The earliest cast members entered the house on Feb. 6. The participants will be allowed to ask questions and view video messages from relatives as Germany appears to be on the verge of a lockdown.

Words by Taryn Ryder

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