Idris Elba tests positive for coronavirus

The actor best known for his role as Stringer Bell in The Wire made the announcement to his 2.7 million followers, writing: “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 and be pragmatic,” he added. “I will keep you updated on how I’m doing. No panic.”

March 16, 2020

In the video, Elba says that he displayed no symptoms but decided to get tested after he exposed to someone who later tested positive for the coronavirus last Friday. Elba, who received his test results today, says that both he and his wife Sabrina Dhowre Elba, who appears in the video, have been self-quarantining since then.

“Now’s the time to really think about social distancing, washing your hands,” said Elba. “Beyond that there are people out there who aren’t showing symptoms who could easily spread it. So now’s a real time to be really vigilant about washing your hands and keeping your distance.”

Elba says both he and his wife have informed their families and colleagues, who are supportive of his recovery. “Transparency is probably the best thing for this right now. If you’re feeling ill and you feel like you should be tested or you’ve been exposed, you do something about it.”

“We live in a divided world right now. We can all feel it. It’s been bullsh*t. but now’s the time for solidarity. Now’s the time for thinking about each other. There’s so many people whose lives have been affected from those who have lost people who they love, to people that don’t even have it who have lost their livelihoods. This is real.”