Actor Tom Hanks and wife actress Rita Wilson (R) attend the Bridge of Spies World Premiere on November 13 in Berlin, Germany. Photo: CFP

Chinese netizens were surprised after news broke that US actor Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson had been released from hospital after only five days for novel coronavirus. On Thursday, Hanks and his wife tested positive for the virus while the actor was working on pre-production for a film in Australia.

Netizens showed concern for the couple's personal safety and health conditions after he and his wife left the hospital on Monday and started self-quarantining in a rented home in Queensland.

"Five days? It is too risky for them to leave the hospital so early. I am kind of worried and doubt the measures taken in Australia," one Chinese netizen commented on China's Twitter-like Sina Weibo.

"Leaving the hospital does not mean they have been cured. It is too early to be positive about their condition," wrote another Chinese netizen.

The Hollywood actor has been sharing updates on their recovery on Twitter. 

"Thanks to the helpers. Let's take care of ourselves and each other," he posted on the platform on Sunday.

However, some netizens said they were not worried because they feel celebrities like the Hanks are able to afford expensive medical care and can pay for treatment from top medical elites.

"Come on! They are rich super stars. It makes sense that they would recover more quickly since they can recruit more professional medical staff than regular people like us," one Chinese netizen posted on Sina Weibo.

According to Australia's Department of Health, a total of 68 people, including the Hanks, have tested positive for the virus in Queensland as of Tuesday.

In addition to Hanks and his wife, British actor Idris Elba revealed on Twitter on Monday that he had tested positive for the virus.

"I feel ok, I have no symptoms so far but have been isolated since I found out about my possible exposure to the virus. Stay home people and be pragmatic," he posted.