Idris Elba tests positive for coronavirus

Idris Elba is the latest celebrity to test positive for COVID-19.

Days after Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson revealed their coronavirus results while being isolated in Australia, the British actor and DJ told fans that he too got a positive result after being tested over the weekend.

Elba, 47, said he showed no symptoms but sought out testing “immediately” after learning last Friday that someone he’d been exposed to had tested positive for the coronavirus disease.

The Luther star, who has been in quarantine ever since, received his results Monday morning.

Elba’s wife, Sabrina Dhowre, sat with him during his announcement, in which he urged the public to stay safe and practice social distancing. He noted that Dhowre had not yet been tested herself, but was “doing OK”

“Look, this is serious, you know?” he said. “Now’s the time to 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.”

He asked fans to practice “transparency” by getting tested if they feel ill.

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

Elba signed off by promising to keep fans updated on his progress.

His post has prompted messages from many celebrities and former co-stars like Wendell Pierce and Andre Royo of The Wire.

The announcement by the actor, who has been long been a hot favourite to play James Bond, follows the news that former Bond girl Olga Kurylenko also has COVID-19.

Words by Erin Donnelly

Got a story tip or just want to get in touch? Email us at lifestyle.tips@verizonmedia.com.