Coronavirus: Tom Brady launches $45 virus supplements as gyms begin reopening across the US

'Close the window where your body is susceptible to bacteria and viruses after strenuous exercise'

As coronavirus deaths in Florida passed 2000, new Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady launched a multivitamin supplement to activate the immune system for "whatever comes your way".

The six-time Super Bowl champion and the Sunshine State's newest unofficial ambassador launched "Protect" on the same day that Governor Ron DeSantis began the full phase one reopening that allows gyms to resume operation.

The $45 immunity blend supplement was announced on Twitter on Monday, with Brady saying in an Instagram post that a strong immune system is important for everyone.

"This amazing new product from TB12 that will provide you guys exactly what you need to stay healthy, strong and resilient for whatever comes your way," he said.

After one of the greatest football careers of all time with the New England Patriots, Brady this year joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Florida.

The state has recorded almost 47,000 positive cases, 8,500 hospitalisations, and 2,052 deaths, according to the Florida Department of Health.

In Hillsborough County, which includes Tampa, there have been 1,670 cases, 350 hospitalisations and 60 deaths.

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Governor DeSantis said on the first day of the statewide reopening on Monday that 64 original phase one counties reported roughly 23,000 test results with 402 new cases for a positivity rate of 1.75 per cent. The positivity rate for all counties including Miami was 1.9 per cent.

Phase one allows gyms and fitness centres to operate up to 50 per cent capacity, with customers required to self-sanitise machines and surfaces after use.

Launched under Brady's TB12 brand, the product website for "Protect" describes the vitamin blend as having "immune-boosting nutrients", formulated with five clinically studied, innovative ingredients of Vitamin C, Zinc, Elderberry, Beta Glucan and Larch Tree Extract.

It claims to "close the window" when the body is susceptible to "bacteria and viruses" after strenuous exercise.

"From supporting natural killer cells to replenishing antibodies post-exercise, Protect helps activate your immune system and counter stress-induced immune suppression," the product description says.

In 2015, Brady endorsed a supplement called NeuroSafe" that was marketed as having essential minerals to protect against concussions.

"NeuroSafe makes me feel comfortable that if I get a concussion I can recover faster and more fully," Brady is quoted as saying on the product's marketing materials.