Idris Elba Tests Positive for Coronavirus Despite Showing No Symptoms | Advises People to "Stay Home...Be Pragmatic"

As the coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, spreads quickly across the world, the latest celebrity who has been tested positive is actor Idris Elba. However, in his case, he showed no symptoms of the virus before he tested positive.

Taking to Twitter, the Luther actor stated that he had been in self-isolation with his wife since March 13 after finding out that he had been in contact with someone who had tested positive. He immediately got tested, and on March 16 his test results came back confirming he had contracted the virus, according to CNN. "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," the actor captioned a video announcement on social media. "Stay home people and be pragmatic. I will keep you updated on how I’m doing 👊🏾👊🏾 No panic."

His case goes to show that the symptoms may not necessarily be visible or very strong and it's a sign that if you know you've been exposed to someone who has tested positive or have been in crowded areas, it's best to get yourself tested and stay isolated in your home. He urged people to practice social distancing (staying away from large groups of people, friends or otherwise) and take the precautionary measures of washing hands and covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing.

He said in the video, "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." His wife, Sabrina Dhowre also appeared in the video with him where the Marvel star mentioned that she has not been tested but was "doing OK."

"It sucks," Elba admitted. "Look, this is serious. Now's the time to really think about social distancing, washing your hands. Beyond that, there are people out there who aren't showing symptoms and that could easily spread it. So now's a real time to be really vigilant about washing your hands and keeping your distance."

This news comes after actor Tom Hanks and his wife, Rita Wilson, basketball athlete Rudy Gobert, the wife of the Canadian Prime Minister, Sophie Trudeau, Game of Thrones actor Kristofer Hivju, and a few more celebrities announced that they all tested positive, according to Business Standard.

Hanks and Wilson announced it via Instagram. "Hello, folks. @ritawilson and I are down here in Australia. We felt a bit tired, like we had colds, and some body aches. Rita had some chills that came and went. Slight fevers too. To play things right, as is needed in the world right now, we were tested for the Coronavirus, and were found to be positive." Since then, they've been giving regular updates on their health, encouraging people to follow the safety measures.

According to CNN, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's office mentioned that his wife Sophie, who was tested positive, had been experiencing mild symptoms but was feeling well, and will remain in isolation for 14 days. As a result, the Prime Minister also went into isolation. "The Prime Minister is in good health with no symptoms. As a precautionary measure and following the advice of doctors, he will be in isolation for a planned period of 14 days," the office said.

To know how to protect yourself, read here for more information. Visit a doctor if you feel any of the symptoms and avoid attending large gatherings or traveling.

For more information, visit the World Health Organization website.

References:

https://edition.cnn.com/2020/03/16/entertainment/idris-elba-coronavirus-trnd/index.html

https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/tom-hanks-to-idris-elba-celebrities-test-positive-for-coronavirus-120031700375_1.html

https://edition.cnn.com/2020/03/12/americas/sophie-gregoire-trudeau-coronavirus/index.html