Coronavirus: Mel Brooks and his son release video about how to stop pandemic ‘wiping out a whole generation of comedic legends’

Pair encourage fans to practice social distancing to protect the likes of Dick Van Dyke

Mel Brooks and his son have a message for the world about social distancing amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The 93-year-old comedian is in the older age group deemed high risk as the spread of COVID-19 continues.

He and his son Max have released a video about practicing social distancing to prevent people contracting the virus.

"If I get the coronavirus, I'll probably be OK," Max says in the clip, in which he appears on the opposite side of a thick glass door to his father.

"But if I give it to him [Mel], he could give it to Carl Reiner, who could give it to Dick Van Dyke and before I know it, I've wiped out a whole generation of comedic legends."

He adds: "When it comes to coronavirus, I have to think about who I can infect. And so should you."

Mel reacts to his son's message in the video with facial expressions and gestures, before telling him: “Go home.”

Idris Elba is the latest high profile celebrity to be diagnosed with coronavirus. The actor revealed the news on Twitter, telling fans: “Don’t freak out.”

Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson also tested positive. They left hospital and are now under quarantine in Australia.