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Daily Record
Daily Record
Entertainment
Keiran Southern

Idris Elba announces he has tested positive for coronavirus

Actor Idris Elba has announced that he has tested positive for Covid-19.

The star of BBC drama Luther said on Twitter "I feel okay", and does not have any symptoms.

Elba, 47, said he has been isolated since finding out he was exposed to the virus.

Idris Elba has tested positive for coronavirus (Getty Images Europe)

"Stay home people and be pragmatic," he said. "I will keep you updated on how I'm doing. No panic."

Elba, who posted a video also featuring his wife Sabrina Dhowre, said she has not been tested and is "doing okay".

Elba said he got tested after finding out on Friday that he had been in contact with someone who had the virus.

"This is serious," he said. "Now is the time to really think about social distancing, washing your hands."

Idris Elba with his wife Sabrina (Dave Benett/Getty Images)

Elba told fans to remain "really vigilant".

He added: "Transparency is probably the best thing for this right now. If you're feeling ill, or you feel like you should be tested, or if you've been exposed, do something about it."

Wendell Pierce, who starred alongside Elba in crime drama The Wire, sent a get well soon message on Twitter.

He said: "The entire cast of The Wire wishes our brother @IdrisElba to get well soon as he fights this virus. Take care and best of health."

Elba is not the first high-profile star to be diagnosed with the virus.

Hollywood actor Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson announced last week they had tested positive while in Australia on pre-production for an Elvis Presley biopic he will star in.

Hanks said he and Wilson, both 63, will remain in isolation.

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