Idris Elba Diagnosed with Coronavirus
Idris Elba is the latest celebrity to be diagnosed with coronavirus.
On Monday, the British actor revealed that he tested positive for COVID-19. “This morning, I got some test results back for coronavirus and it came back positive and it sucks,” said the 47-year-old “Wire” star in a video posted to Twitter.
“I’m doing OK,” he added while seated alongside his wife Sabrina, who has not been tested but is feeling OK.
He revealed that he didn’t have any symptoms, but got tested last Friday because he was exposed to someone who also tested positive. He immediately isolated himself and got his results on Monday. Elba recently spoke at the WE Day 2020 event in London on March 4. Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, the wife of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, was also in attendance and reportedly posed with the actor. She tested positive last week.
This morning I tested positive for Covid 19. 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. I will keep you updated on how I’m doing 👊🏾👊🏾 No panic. pic.twitter.com/Lg7HVMZglZ
— Idris Elba (@idriselba) March 16, 2020
Elba stressed the severity of the disease and urged his followers to take precautions. “This is serious. Now’s the time to really think about social distancing, washing your hands,” he said.
He also noted that people may carry the virus and not even know it. The best way to stop the spread is to self-quarantine.
“We’ve told our families. We’ve told our colleagues. Transparency is probably the best thing for this right now,” said Elba, who urged solidarity. “We live in a divided world right now. We can all feel it. It’s been bullshit. But now’s the time for solidarity, now’s the time for thinking about each other.”
He received support from friends including Kid Cudi, who tweeted, “Holy fuck. Sendin u love brother.”
Holy fuck. Sendin u love brother ❤️❤️ https://t.co/qlwKJOgvHQ
— The Chosen One (@KidCudi) March 16, 2020
Other celebrities including Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson have been diagnosed with COVID-19, along with Bond girl Olga Kurylenko. Universal Music CEO Sir Lucian Grainge was also hospitalized Sunday after testing positive for coronavirus.