Idris Elba Confirms He's Tested Positive For Coronavirus

Idris Elba has confirmed he has tested positive for coronavirus.

Taking to Twitter to update his followers with the news, the actor, who says he currently has no symptoms, has been self-isolating since he found out that he may have been exposed to COVID-19.

"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," he wrote.

"Stay home people and be pragmatic. I will keep you updated on how I'm doing. No panic."

Along with the tweet, he also shared a video in which he explained his situation.

"This morning, I got some test results back for coronavirus and it came back positive," he said, appearing with wife, Sabrina.

"Yeah, and it sucks. Listen, I'm doing okay. Sabrina hasn't been tested and she's doing okay.

"I wasn't... I didn't have any symptoms. I got tested because I realised I was exposed to someone who had also testes 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."

Idris, 47, went on to urge others to think about social distancing, explaining that the situation "is serious".

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"Look, this is serious, now's the time to think about social distancing, washing your hands. Beyond that, there are people out there that aren't showing symptoms and can easily spread it.

"So now is a real time to be really vigilant about washing your hands and keeping your distance.

"We've told our families, they're very supportive. We've told our colleagues. Transparency is probably the best thing right now. If you're feeling ill and you feel like you should be tested or you've been exposed, do something about it, it's really important.

"[...] Now is a time for solidarity, now is a time for thinking about each other."

Idris Elba/Twitter)

Idris' announcement came shortly after Boris Johnson addressed the nation in a press conference yesterday afternoon.

The prime minister has now urged people to work from home and avoid going out to bars, clubs, theatres and pubs in a bid to slow the spread of coronavirus.

He added that the UK should avoid all non-essential travel and emphasised that the government will no longer support mass gatherings involving emergency workers.

Topics: idris elba, News, Coronavirus

Lucy Devine

Lucy is a journalist working for Tyla. After graduating with a master's degree in journalism, she has worked in both print and online and is particularly interested in fashion, food, health and women's issues. Northerner, coffee addict, says hun a lot. Get in touch at [email protected].

@lucedevine