Hollywood Actor Idris Elba Tests Positive for Coronavirus

(Reuters) — British actor Idris Elba said on Monday he has tested positive for the new coronavirus.

Elba, who starred in TV drama “The Wire” and movie “Avengers: Infinity War,” said in a Twitter post that he had no symptoms but was isolating himself from others.

Thank you for being so transparent and calm, Mr Elba. We are watching you and your wife deal with this #coronavirus with grace and honesty. https://t.co/39QDJ09W0S

— Kathy Griffin (@kathygriffin) March 16, 2020

It was not clear where he was located.

“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,” Elba, 47, wrote.

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Elba said he had taken the test because he found out on Friday that he had been exposed to someone who had contracted the disease.

He did not identify the person.

“Stay positive. Don’t freak out,” he said in a video accompanying the Twitter post.

Elba was the second major Hollywood celebrity to announce he has the virus.

Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson announced last week that they both had contracted the disease while working on a film in Australia.

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(Reporting by Jill Serjeant; editing by Rosalba O’Brien)

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