'Look, this is serious:' Idris Elba tests positive for coronavirus

British actor Idris Elba told fans via social media that he hastested positive for the coronavirus thatcauses COVID-19.

The actor revealed the news Monday, writing on Twitter that, though he had no symptoms so far, he has "been isolated since I found out about my possible exposure to the virus."

In a video message, Elba explained that he had learned Friday that someone he had recently been in contact with had tested positive.

He said he promptly sought out a test for himself and chose to self-isolate with his wife, Canadian modelSabrina Dhowre, who was seen alongside him in the video message.

Elba said he learned Monday morning he had tested positive.

"This is serious, you know. Now's the time to really think about social distancing," he said.

"There are people out there who aren't showing symptoms, and that can easily spread it. Now is the time to be really vigilant."

The popular actor, known for TV series such asLuther and The Wire,as a regular in the Thor movie franchise and films such as Beasts of No NationandPacific Rim, was among the U.K. celebrities that attended astar-studded WEDay charity event in London on March 4. Thatgathering drewan estimated13,000 young peopleto Wembley Arena.

Sophie Grgoire Trudeau, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's wife, tested positive for the coronavirus late last week after having also attended the London event with their daughter, Ella-Grace,and her mother-in-law, Margaret Trudeau.

Elba is the latest celebrity to go public with his diagnosis. American actor Tom Hanks and his wife, Rita Wilson,are also currently under quarantine in Australia after testing positive for COVID-19.

"This is real. I just wanted to share my news with you guys, and I will keep you updated as to how I'm doing," Elba said in his video.

"So far we're doing OK. Stay positive. Don't freak out," he told his fans, whom he urged totake social distancing seriously, but to also look out for one another.

"Now is the time for solidarity. Now is the time for thinking about each other. There are so many people whose lives have been affected, from those who have lost people they love" to those who are losing theirlivelihoodsdue to the widespread closures and shutdowns.

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