Idris Elba announced on Monday (March 16) that he has tested positive for the coronavirus. “This morning I got some test results back for coronavirus and it came back positive,” the actor and musician told fans in a video posted to Twitter. “I didn’t have any symptoms.”
He added that he and his wife, Sabrina, are doing fine, and explained that he initially got tested because he learned that he had been in contact with someone who tested positive. “I quarantined myself and got tested immediately,” said the star, who has appeared on tracks by Taylor Swift, Macklemore and Wiley. He also opened for Madonna for her Rebel Heart Tour in Berlin as a DJ in 2015.
Elba took the opportunity to drive home the severity of the pandemic. “Look, this is serious, you know? Now’s the time to really think about social distancing, washing your hands,” he urged. “Beyond that, there are people out there who aren’t showing symptoms, and that could easily spread it. So now’s a real time to be really vigilant.”
“Transparency is probably the best thing for this right now,” he said. “If you’re feeling ill and you feel like you should be tested or you’ve been exposed, do something about it, all right? It’s really important.”
The DJ concluded his message, “All right, man: Stay positive and don’t freak out.” Watch his full video:
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
