After Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, the latest celebrity to fall victim to COVID-19 is actor Idris Elba. Confirming the news at a time when panic and fake news is spreading just as quickly as the global pandemic, the actor released a video, confirming the news, on social media.
Said Elba: “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.”
He further said, “It sucks. I’m doing ok. I didn’t have any symptoms. I got tested because I realized I was exposed to someone who had also tested positive. I found out last Friday they were positive and I quarantined myself immediately and got the results of my own test back today. This is serious. Now is the time to think about social distancing and washing your hands. Beyond that, there are people out there who are not showing symptoms and that can easily spread it. So now is a real time to be vigilant about washing your hands and keeping your distance. We’ve told our families. They are supportive. We told our colleagues.”
“Transparency is probably the best thing for this right now. If you feel ill or like you should be tested, do something about it. It’s really important. We live in a divide world right now, we can all feel it, but now is the time for solidarity and thinking about each other.”
Following Idris Elba’s words is the need of the hour. As borders are closed, the world as a global village is slipping from minds and a new world order is beginning to emerge. Social distancing, washing hands regularly and not touching your face are some precautions presented by World Health Organisation that must be taken seriously along with exercising vigilance.
The actor is said to have recently shot for a DC Comics film, Suicide Squad 2 because the first one, a tragic hollow supervillains-turn-superhero tale, wasn’t enough torment. Maybe Idris Elba will elevate the second film with his presence.
