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Idris Elba explains why he shared his coronavirus results with the world

By Amanda Mullen

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 01: Co-Creator Idris Elba attends the press night after party for "Tree" at The Young Vic on August 1, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 01: Co-Creator Idris Elba attends the press night after party for "Tree" at The Young Vic on August 1, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images) /
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Earlier this week, actor Idris Elba announced that he’d tested positive for coronavirus. In a video on Twitter, he explained why he told the public.

Earlier this week, actor Idris Elba announced that he’d tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Elba isn’t the first celebrity to be diagnosed (that’d be Tom Hanks), but he felt an obligation to share the update with his fans and followers. In a new Twitter video, the actor explained why.

In his 18-minute live Q&A, Elba talked about why he was tested for the disease and how he discovered he was positive for it. He also discussed at length why he believes having open discussions about the disease is a step in the right direction. Not only does speaking about his test results put his own mind at ease, but he revealed that he doesn’t want anyone to stigmatize anyone else in the current situation.

“I’m worried that people aren’t talking to each other about it,” Elba said. “I’m worried that people are going to stigmatize other people. I’m worried that we’re going to panic and send the whole world into a spin.”

Given much of the panic that’s already come with the pandemic, it’s not all that surprising Elba would be concerned about such things. But celebrities like him and Tom Hanks have been doing what they can to ease tensions and put a more positive spin on things, and their insistence that people cope with this crisis together is comforting.

Elba also shared what he and his wife, Sabrina, have been doing during their quarantine, encouraging everyone to share ideas on how to pass the time. The actor promised to keep everyone updated on his status, and he asked that people “try to stay optimistic about what we’re going through.”

“I think we could all feel that the world is just going crazy,” he said. “There’s a lot of clashes; the energy’s going to be weird. And you know, this virus is ridiculously unfortunate, but at the same time, I think it might be an opportunity for us to stop and just think about what’s going on in our world.”

Next. Tom Hanks shares status update and encouragement. dark

For more information about COVID-19, visit the CDC’s website or the website for your state’s Department of Health.

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