Idris Elba has tested positive for COVID-19

Idris Elba has confirmed he has tested positive for COVID-19.

The actor, who starred in acclaimed television series The Wire and Luther and played Nelson Mandela in the biopic Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, made the announcement via Twitter.

In the tweet, Elba said: “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’s tweet was accompanied by a brief video in which the actor explains he was tested after he found out that someone else he had been exposed to had tested positive for COVID-19. Elba has been self-isolating since finding out the news. 

In the video, Idris Elba urges his followers to take COVID-19 seriously. “We live in a divided world, but now is the time for solidarity. This is serious,” he says. 

The announcement comes just five days after Tom Hanks and his wife tested positive for COVID-19. 

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