Actor Idris Elba tests positive for Covid-19

Idris Elba has tested positive for Covid-19 coronavirus.

The 47-year-old British actor announced in a two-minute video message on Twitter in the wee hours of March 17 (Malaysian time): "I didn't have any symptoms. I got tested because I realised I was exposed to someone who tested positive. I found out last Friday that they were tested positive.

"I quarantined myself and got myself tested immediately. I got my results back today."

He adds: "This is serious. Now is the time to think about social distancing and washing your hands."

Elba ends his message by reminding his followers to show empathy in this time of need:

"We live in a divided world right now. We can all feel it. Now is the time for solidarity. Now is the time for thinking of each other. So many people's lives has been affected - from those who have lost people they love to people who don't even have it and have lost their livelihoods."

Other celebrities who have tested positive include American couple and actors Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson and Ukrainian-born French actress Olga Kurylenko.

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. pic.twitter.com/Lg7HVMZglZ — Idris Elba (@idriselba) March 16, 2020