British movie star Idris Elba announced Monday that he has tested positive for the novel coronavirus and that he has self-quarantined since learning of his exposure, adding that “it sucks.”
“This morning I tested positive for Covid 19,” he tweeted. “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.”
He added a pair of fist-bumps and concluded with “No panic.”
Featured in “Fast and Furious: Hobbs and Shaw” and the Marvel Studios “Thor” films, Mr. Elba becomes the latest in the growing list of stars to report their COVID-19 diagnoses, following Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson as well as NBA players Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell.
In a video posted on Twitter, Mr. Elba said he was tested after he realized he had been exposed to someone who had recently tested positive. He said he immediately isolated himself, got tested and learned his results Monday.
“Yeah, and it sucks,” he said, adding, “There are people out there who aren’t showing symptoms and that can easily spread it. So now’s the real time to be really vigilant about washing your hands and keeping your distance.”
Mr. Elba, 47, was named People magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive” in 2018 and one of Time magazine’s “100 Most Influential People” in 2016.
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
• Valerie Richardson can be reached at vrichardson@washingtontimes.com.
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