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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Gareth Bicknell

Coronavirus: Lewis Hamilton self isolates after meeting Idris Elba but turns down test

Lewis Hamilton turned down a coronavirus test - but said he was self-isolating after meeting Idris Elba and Sophie Trudeau who later tested positive for the killer disease.

Formula One world champion Hamilton revealed he had turned down the Covid-19 test because "people need it more than I do", and insisted he had suffered no symptoms.

Taking to Twitter to reassure fans on Saturday, the six-time champion said: "Hey guys, I hope you're all staying positive, and keeping busy and healthy.

"There's been some speculation about my health, after I was at an event where two people later tested positive for coronavirus.

"I wanted to let you know that I'm doing well, feeling healthy and working out twice a day.

Lewis Hamilton met Idris Elba at a WE Day UK event at Wembley Arena earlier this month (Justin Goff/GoffPhotos.com)

"I have zero symptoms, and it's now been 17 days since I saw Sophie and Idris. I have been in touch with Idris and happy to hear he is OK.

"I did speak to my doctor and double checked if I needed to take a test but the truth is, there is a limited amount of tests available and there are people who need it more than I do, especially when I wasn't showing any symptoms at all.

"So what I've done is keep myself isolated this past week, actually since practice was cancelled last Friday and kept my distance from people."

Hamilton met actor Elba and Trudeau, the wife of Canadian prime minister Justin, at an event in London on March 4.

Sophie Trudeau, wife of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, was also at the event and like Elba later tested positive for coronavirus (Reuters)

The event was taking place before the scheduled Formula One opener in Melbourne, which was called off last Friday.

Elba and Trudeau tested positive for Covid-19 earlier this week.

Hamilton added: "The most important thing everyone can do is stay positive, social distance yourself as best you can, self isolate if you need to, and regularly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

"Thank you for all the messages. I'm sending you love and positivity from afar. Keep safe."

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