Idris Elba Reveals Coronavirus Diagnosis

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, various celebrities have tested positive for the virus. As of this writing, the list includes the husband-wife team, actor Tom Hanks and musician Rita Wilson, NBA star Rudy Gobert, and James Bond star Olga Kurylenko. The latest addition to this group is Luther star Idris Elba, who revealed his diagnosis via Twitter video on March 16, 2020. Elba's wife, Sabrina Dhowre Elba, also appeared in the clip, although it's not clear at this time if she has COVID-19 as well. "Sabrina hasn't been tested and she's doing OK," the 47-year-old shared. 

Not only did Elba publicly disclose his diagnosis, but the Golden Globe winner also shared an important message about the coronavirus and how the public should be handling this crisis. We won't reveal the dad-of-two's words of wisdom just yet, but let's just say his advice is worth hearing out. It's especially crucial right now considering some celebs out there are giving awful advice about the coronavirus. Sigh. 

So what does Elba have to say about his health update? We reveal the contents of his PSA below.

Idris Elba first revealed his coronavirus diagnosis via a simple yet informative message, captioning a Twitter video of himself, "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." As for the video, Elba took the opportunity to share more details about how he possibly contracted the illness, his advice for the public, and his hope for the world going forward. "I got tested because I realized I was exposed to someone who also tested positive," he started out. "I found out last Friday that they tested positive, I quarantined myself immediately and got a test immediately and got the results back today. It's serious." He then cautioned the public to start thinking about "social distancing" and hand washing, adding, "There are people out there who aren't showing symptoms who could easily spread it."

In addition to employing best practices for hygiene, Elba recommended, "We told our families, they're very supportive. We've told our colleagues. Transparency is the best thing. If you're feeling ill or feel like you're been exposed, do something about it." This piece of advice echoes Dr. Mehmet Oz's recommendations to stay vigilant amid the outbreak. 

 "Now's the time for solidarity," the actor concluded. " ... This is real."

Shortly after Idris Elba shared his message with the world, a handful of celebrities took to social media to share their support and feelings of gratitude. "Thank you, @IdrisElba, for using your platform to educate and inform. No symptoms, but positive," director Ava DuVernay tweeted. "This is so important for us all to understand. You are a teacher in this moment for many who will only listen to someone like you. Blessings, brother. Stay strong and light-filled." Comedian Ben Stiller chimed in, "This is worth watching. Much respect for @idriselba getting the message out. Wishing him all the best. #StopTheSpread." And Ellen DeGeneres shared simple words of encouragement, tweeting, "Sending you so much love, Idris."

Elba isn't the only one to speak out about this pandemic. These celebs who have coronavirus also shared their advice to the public, drawing awareness about best practices to fight the virus.

Although the news about Idris Elba is disheartening, some bright developments about two other celebs have emerged —  on March 16, 2020, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson were released from a hospital in Australia four days after announcing their diagnoses, Hanks' rep confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter. The pair spent five days in the hospital and will remain quarantined at home going forward. The news of the couple's release follows a heartfelt message from the Cast Away star, who wrote on Instagram, "I want to thank everyone here Down Under who are taking such good care of us. We have Covid-19 and are in isolation so we do not spread it to anyone else. There are those for whom it could lead to a very serious illness. We are taking it one-day-at-a-time. There are things we can all do to get through this by following the advice of experts and taking care of ourselves and each other, no? Remember, despite all the current events, there is no crying in baseball."

At this time, we wish Hanks, Wilson, Elba, and all of the other people diagnosed with COVID-19 well.