Idris Elba revealed on Twitter Monday that he has tested positive for coronavirus.
“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,” the actor captioned a video announcement. “Stay home people and be pragmatic. I will keep you updated on how I’m doing ???? No panic.”
In the video, Elba, 47, explains he got tested after realizing he was exposed to someone who had also tested positive.
Days before announcing his diagnosis, Elba attended a WE Day charity event in London. While there, he posed for a photo with Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s wife. She tested positive for coronavirus.
Although Elba didn’t identify the person he came into contact with, he said he self-quarantined and “got a test immediately” after finding out about the unnamed person’s results.
“It sucks,” Elba admitted. “Look, this is serious. Now’s the time to really think about social distancing, washing your hands. Beyond that, there are people out there who aren’t showing symptoms and that could easily spread it. So now’s a real time to be really vigilant about washing your hands and keeping your distance.”
By Monday evening, another screen star had posted to social media about his positive coronavirus test. Kristofer Hivju, 41, the actor best known for embodying the renowned warrior (and admirer of Brienne of Tarth) Tormund Giantsbane, wrote on an Instagram post from Norway, “Sorry to say that I, today, have tested positive for COVID19, Corona virus.”
Elba said his wife, Sabrina, who was in the video alongside him, had not yet been tested.
“She’s doing OK,” he added. “We’ve told our families, they’re very supportive. We’ve told our colleagues. Transparency is probably the best thing for this right now. If you’re feeling ill or feel like you should be tested or you’ve been exposed, do something about it. It’s really important.”
Source: USA TODAY
