On Monday, actor Idris Elba revealed in a video posted to his Twitter account that he had tested positive for coronavirus, the virus that causes COVID-19.
In the video, Elba said that although he had experienced no symptoms of the disease, he'd taken the test after learning he had come into contact with someone who had also tested positive.
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.
He also stressed the importance of social distancing and staying vigilant during the crisis, saying: "There are people out there who aren't showing symptoms, and that can easily spread it, okay? So now's the real time to be really vigilant about washing your hands and keeping your distance."
"Now's a time for solidarity. Now's a time for thinking about each other. There's been so many people whose lives have been affected," he concluded.
During a livestream on Twitter on Tuesday, Elba gave some updates on his condition, announced that his wife, Sabrina Dhowre, had also been tested, and explained why he decided to speak publicly about his diagnosis.
Elba said he decided to be "vocal and transparent" about his diagnosis in order to inform as many people as possible about the virus, and explained he was motivated to open up after seeing Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson do the same.
"I'm worried that people aren't talking to each other about it," he said. "I'm worried that people are going to stigmatise other people. I'm worried that we're going to panic and send the whole world into a spin."
Elba went on to speak about the importance of not spreading misinformation, particularly referencing the false conspiracy theory that black people aren't able to contract the virus.
