British actor Idris Elba tests positive for coronavirus Published By Marriska Fernandes on Mar 16, 2020

British actor Idris Elba announced Monday morning (March 16, 2020) that he has tested positive for coronavirus.

In a video posted to Twitter, he said: "This morning I got some test results back for coronavirus. And it came back positive. And it sucks."

The Luther actor, 47, was not showing any symptoms, but decided to get tested "because I realized I was exposed to someone who had also tested positive." He has isolated himself since last Friday. His wife Sabrina Dhowre has not been tested yet, but he says she is feeling fine.

He goes on stress the importance of social distancing in this "serious" situation. "Stay home people and be pragmatic. Look we live in a divided world right now...but now is a time for solidarity. Now is a time for thinking about each other. There are so many people whose lives have been affected."

Idris is among the list of public figures who has been tested positive for COVID-19. Last week, Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson announced their diagnosis. ~Marriska Fernandes

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