Image by Harald Krichel
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Golden Globe-winning actor Idris Elba announced on Twitter this afternoon that he has tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19.

Elba — known for his roles in everything from "The Wire" to the Marvel Cinematic Universe — seems to be in good spirits. He's the highest-profile celebrity to come forward with a coronavirus diagnosis since Tom Hanks announced that he'd caught the bug last week.

Elba said in the short clip that he got tested after he realized he had been in proximity with someone else who'd tested positive for the virus. Commentators have pointed out that Elba attended an event last week with Sophie Trudeau, the wife of the Canadian prime minister, who also tested positive for the virus.

To his credit, Elba seems to be using the diagnosis to spread sound advice to the public. In the clip, he advocated for staying out of public spaces, frequent hand-washing, and above all, for anyone who tests positive to quarantine themselves for a two-week period.

"Look, this is serious," Elba said. "This is the time to think about social distancing, washing your hands. Beyond that, there are people out there who aren't showing symptoms, and that could easily spread it."

Other celebrities rushed to offer solace and advice.

Elba also closed the clip with some timeless advice.

"Stay positive," he said at the end of the video. "And don't freak out."


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