Idris Elba took to social media to let his fans know that he has tested positive for COVID-19, also known as the Coronavirus.
“This morning I tested positive for Covid 19,” he wrote. “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.”
In the video, Elba explains how he decided to get tested after he realized he had been exposed to someone who tested positive for the virus.
“I didn’t have any symptoms. I got tested because I realized I was exposed to someone who had also tested positive,” he said. “I found out last Friday that they were tested positive. I quarantined myself and got a test immediately and got the results back today.”
“It sucks,” he admitted. “Look, this is serious. Now’s the time to really think about social distancing, washing your hands.”
“Transparency is probably the best thing for this right now, he continued. “If you’re feeling ill or you feel like you should be tested or you’ve been exposed, then do something about it, alright? It’s really important.”
Elba is not the first celebrity to test positive for Coronavirus. Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson told fans that they have been quarantined with the virus.
Hanks posted a photo himself and Wilson and wrote: ”Hello folks. Rita Wilson and I want to thank everyone here Down Under who are taking such good care of us. We have Covid-19 and are in isolation so we do not spread it to anyone else. There are those for whom it could lead to a very serious illness. We are taking it one-day-at-a-time. There are things we can all do to get through this by following the advice of experts and taking care of ourselves and each other, no?”
Our prayers and thoughts go out to Elba and everyone that is affected by the Coronavirus. Please stay safe and practice social distancing. Check out Elba’s video below.