'I'm worried'
Idris Elba reveals he caught coronavirus from star in public eye as he slams ‘weird and dangerous’ conspiracy theories
IDRIS Elba has revealed he caught coronavirus from a star in the public eye as he slams "weird and dangerous" conspiracy theories.
The actor, 47, has isolated himself after testing positive for the deadly disease, which has killed 71 people in Britain.
⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news and updates
5
In a video Q&A with fans, Idris spoke openly with living with Covid-19 and gave more details about his diagnosis.
Asked why he was tested despite having no symptoms, Idris said: "I was told that someone I had been in contact with had tested positive,
"I’m on location, about to start film and the news breaks that this person, who is also in the public eye, had tested positive.
"My job made me test immediately. I had to test because it meant putting a lot of people at risk who I was working with on a new film.
5
5
5
"We were really lucky to get tested really quickly. I quarantined myself and have been here ever since.
"I wasn't showing any symptoms but I am very glad I made that decision to get tested. I have been out of contact with everyone since. The early testing is the way we need to approach this.
"It's hard to say when I contracted the disease. I was exposed to it from March 4."
Idris 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.
Tap to see where COVID-19 is near you
Idris did not name the person he fears he caught the virus from.
Updating fans on his condition, Idris said: "I'm feeling OK. I'm a little tired because I didn't sleep last night. My temperature is fine and I don't have a fever.
"I have asthma so I fit in the high category of most at risk.
"I generally feel OK."
But he added that he was concerned about the situation.
"Of course I'm worried," he added.
5
CORONAVIRUS LATEST NEWS
For all the latest news, tips and information - plus essential advice for you and your family - on the Coronavirus crisis, sign up to our newsletter.
It will be sent out every teatime at
Or you can like our coronavirus Facebook page here:
"I'm worried about having the virus and having asthma and how that can make things complicated for me very quickly.
"I'm really worried about how the world is dealing with it."
He also revealed fans have been sending him absurd conspiracy theories about cornavirus.
Idris begged: "Please stop sending conspiracy theory nonsense about black people not being able to get coronavirus. It's dumb and very dangerous."
"Now is not the time. People need to know facts."
The actor went on to reveal his wife Sabrina had been left overwhelmed after telling the public about his diagnosis.
MOST READ IN TV AND SHOWBIZ
He said trolls attacked her for sitting next to her infected husband in a video admitting he was sick.
"She woke up this morning a little bit sad," Idris said.
"She feels OK. Yesterday was a lot for us. My wife isn't used to the public eye as much as I am.
"We were the biggest story in the world. Today she wants to step back a bit.
"It was weird she was being criticised for sitting next to me.
"That took a mental strain on us. But fair-dos, whatever.
"But she's doing OK. She's taken a test."
Topics