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.
“There are people who aren’t showing symptoms. Now is the time to be vigilant.”
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