Getty Idris Elba has tested positive for COVID-19.
On Monday, Idris Elba revealed on Twitter that he has tested positive for Coronavirus.
In a video uploaded to his social media page, the 47-year-old shared, “This morning, I got some test results back for Coronavirus, and it came back positive… And it sucks.”
“I’m doing okay. I don’t have any symptoms. I got tested because I realized I was exposed to someone who also tested positive. I found out last Friday they tested positive. I quarantined myself and got tested immediately. I got the results back today.”
In the video, Elba makes a plea for unity. “We live in a divided world right now, we can all feel it… but now is a time for solidarity, for thinking about each other. There are so many people whose lives have been affected… This is real.”
Elba promises to keep fans updated with how he is doing. He ends his message by telling viewers, “Stay positive. Don’t freak out.”
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.
Elba Posed for Pictures With Sophie Grégoire Trudeau on March 4
Although Elba did not name the person he was with who tested positive for the virus, those who follow the actor closely are aware that he posed for pictures with Sophie Grégoire Trudeau last week.
According to Business Insider, both Trudeau and Elba attended a large event at London’s SSE Arena, Wembley, on March 4. Grégoire Trudeau announced on Thursday that she tested positive for the Coronavirus.
Elba Joins a List of Actors Who Have Also Tested Positive for the Virus
The British actor joins a list of celebrities who have tested positive over the last week, including Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson and former Bond girl Olga Kurylenko.
A number of shows have halted production in light of the pandemic, including Grey’s Anatomy, The Bachelorette, and Empire. Films that have been paused include The Prom, Jurassic World: Dominion, and Fantastic Beasts 3.
Late-night talk show hosts and daytime shows have also stopped production, as well, including The Wendy Williams Show, Tamron Hall, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Late Night With Seth Meyers.
In his video, Elba mentions that he is not showing any symptoms. In a recent article, CNN cites over half a dozen studies that have shown that people who are asymptomatic are causing “substantial amounts of infection.”
The CDC adds that some spread may be possible prior to people showing symptoms, even though this is not the main way the virus spreads. The main way the virus is transmitted is through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
To date, Coronavirus has affected nearly 170,000 people. The death toll in the United States has risen to 64. Latest updates reveal that deaths from the virus have passed 6,500 worldwide.
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