As the coronavirus spreads around the globe, more celebrities and high profile personalities have announced they have become infected.
On Monday, actor Idris Elba announced in a video posted on Twitter that he had tested positive for the virus. “This morning, I got some test results back from coronavirus, and it came back positive.”
“I feel okay, I have no symptoms so far but have been isolated since I found out about my possible exposure to the virus,” he added.
Additionally, he said that “it sucks” and added that his wife Sabrina had not been tested, but, “She’s doing okay.”
Watch his video below:
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 said that he did not get testing because he had developed symptoms. Instead, he said he was made aware that he had contact with an individual who had tested positive for the virus and received testing after he found out.
“I got tested because I realized that I was exposed to someone who had also tested positive. I found out last Friday that they were tested positive. I quarantined myself and got a test immediately and got the results back today.”
“Look, this is serious,” he said as he encouraged people to practice social distancing and “be real vigilant.”
“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 can easily spread it. So now’s a time to be real vigilant about washing your hands and keeping your distance.”
He also encouraged people not to be afraid to seek testing for the virus, “If you’re feeling ill or you feel like you should be tested, or you’ve been exposed, then do something about it, all right — it’s really important.”
Finally, Elba called for “solidarity:
“Now’s the time for solidarity, now’s the time to be thinking about each other. There are so many people whose lives have been affected — from those who have lost people they have loved, to those who don’t even have it and have lost their livelihoods. This is real.”
“Stay positive and don’t freak out,” he added.
Elba’s announcement comes just days after actor Tom Hanks revealed that he and Rita Wilson had tested positive for coronavirus, as IJR has previously reported.