*Idris Elba dropped a bombshell on Monday when he confirmed on social media that he has tested positive for the new coronavirus.
Elba, 47, said he does not have any symptoms so far, and opted to get tested after coming in contact with another person who also tested positive for COVID-19, PEOPLE reports.
“I didn’t have any symptoms,” he said in a video, which he posted on Twitter (see below). “I got tested because I had realized I got 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 results back today.”
Hear the news directly from Idris via the clip below.
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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
With his wife Sabrina by his side, the Hollywood hunk added, “Look, this is serious,” Elba said. “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 real time to be really vigilant about washing your hands and keeping your distance … If you’re feeling ill, and you feel like you should be tested, or you’ve been exposed, then do something about it. It’s really important.”
He also urged people to work together to stop further spread of the potentially deadly virus.
“Look, we live in a divided world right now, we can all feel it, it’s been bulls—,” he said. “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 that they love, to people who don’t even have it and have lost their livelihoods. This is real, alright?”
Elba said he would continue to update his fans on his health status.
“Stay positive and don’t freak out,” he added.
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