New York State now has 50 confirmed cases of swine flu and counting. But celebrities, just like the rest of us, have work to do despite the pandemic—only they have to go to publicity parties. Nina Mandell, Jada Yuan, and Katie Hintz took their temperature on the subject.

Erin Fetherston
“I just started taking the freight elevator in my building. There’s a lot of free health clinics in my office building, and I didn’t want to stop on those floors.”

Helena Christensen
“I’ve been coughing in my arm, and washing my hands a lot. But I haven’t stopped kissing certain people. It’s worth it.”

Olivia Palermo
“Luckily, I have the correct medication. My boyfriend’s family is in medicine, so we always have things for an emergency. We’re set.”

Evelyn Lauder
“I’m not shaking your hand because of it! I’m not wearing a mask yet, but I’m considering canceling a trip to California in two weeks.”

Molly Sims
“Keeping out of public elementary schools.”

Richie Rich
“I was going to do a show in Mexico City. But I canceled it. It’s sort of weird when the whole world is freaking out.”

Zachary Quinto
“Every time I get on an airplane I have a routine. I cover the inside of my nostrils with anti-bacterial ointment. I’m popping Zicam like it’s candy. And I drink, literally, from L.A. to New York, six bottles of water.”

Brian Dennehy
“I don’t worry about any of that shit. What’s the point? It’s like worrying about getting hit when you cross the street.”

Salman Rushdie
“As long as there’s no Mexicans here, I think we’re all right.”

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Related:

• Archive: “Intelligencer”
| Jada Yuan
• Table of Contents: May 11, 2009 issue of New York | Subscribe!