Idris Elba tests positive for coronavirus just days after posing with Justin Trudeau’s virus-hit wife in London
IDRIS Elba tested positive for coronavirus just days after posing with Justin Trudeau’s virus-hit wife in London.
The Hollywood star is currently in self-isolation – barely two weeks after being snapped in a photo with Sophie, the wife of Canadian Prime Minister and F1 legend Lewis Hamilton.
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Both Idris, 47, and Sophie, were at the WE Movement in London earlier this month – with the high profile pair since testing positive for the deadly bug.
It is unclear if Brit driver Hamilton has been tested for the virus, with the 35-year-old yesterday sharing a video encouraging people to wash their hands.
He has recently been in Australia but was unable to compete in the country’s Grand Prix as McLaren announced their decision to pull out of the competition.
And last night, Idris – best known for his role in crime thriller Luther – confirmed he had the bug as Boris Johnson ramped up measures in a desperate attempt to stop the spread of the killer bug across the UK.
Writing on Instagram yesterday, Idris said: “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.”
There are currently more than 1,500 cases of coronavirus in the UK, with 55 deaths so far recorded.
And in dramatic actions not seen since World War Two, Prime Minister Boris Johnson drastically ramped up Britain’s battleplan – shutting down mass gatherings and urging everyone to stop non-essential travel and contact with others.
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Idris last night said he had come into contact with someone who had COVID-19 which prompted him to get checked.
And Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, head of WHO, praised the actor for speaking out.
He wrote on Twitter: “Take care and stay strong, Idris Elba! I admire your brave and powerful message to the world. We’re all in this together. Solidarity will beat the coronavirus.”
Meanwhile, Canadian PM Trudeau is working from home as a precaution after his wife Sophie was diagnosed with coronavirus.
Sophie, began exhibiting “mild flu-like symptoms” before being diagnosed with the deadly virus on Thursday.
Mrs Grégoire Trudeau issued a statement thanking well-wishers as her husband continues with his political duties from their Rideau Cottage.
She said: “Although I’m experiencing uncomfortable symptoms of the virus, I will be back on my feet soon.”
But Elba is not the first A-list actor to test positive for COVID-19.
Double Oscar winner Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson were both struck down with the virus while the Forrest Gump star was filming in Australia.
Meanwhile, London streets were deserted last night as the public was warned to avoid all contact.
There are now fears the restrictions could last for months as whole families with symptoms such as a cough or a temperature were told to stay at home for TWO WEEKS to stop spreading it on to anyone else.
Schools will stay open for now – but they will be told to send kids with a cough home to stop the spread.