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Luther actor Idris Elba has shared some good advice on his Twitter feed, having tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). He recently attended the same event in London as Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, who has also confirmed that she has the virus.

Actor Idris Elba in front of a flower wall
Idris Elba has tested positive for COVID-19 © David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images
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Idris was photographed with Sophie, the wife of Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau, at the Wembley Arena We Day event on 4 March. He says he feels okay and currently has no symptoms, but decided to get tested after he realised he had been exposed to a person who has the virus. "I found out last Friday that they had tested positive, and I quarantined myself and got a test immediately," he said, adding that his wife Sabrina hasn't yet been tested and doesn't have symptoms.

"Stay home people and be pragmatic," he advised in a video on Twitter. "This is serious. Now is the time to really think about social distancing. Beyond that, there are people out there who aren't showing symptoms and that can easily spread it. Now is the time to be really vigilant about washing your hands and keeping your distance."

The 47-year-old actor and musican, who DJed at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding reception, explained that he had advised his and Sabrina's families and colleagues of the situation. "Transparency is probably the best thing for this right now," he advised. "If you're feeling ill, or you feel like you should be tested or you've been exposed, then do something about it."

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Idris Elba and his wife Sabrina Dhowre
Idris Elba and his wife Sabrina Dhowre © David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images

Although COVID-19 has been declared a global pandemic, the actor has called on people to stay positive and not to panic. "Now is the time for solidarity," he said. "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 people that don't even have it and have lost their livelihoods. This is real."

Keep up to date with Lonely Planet's latest travel-related COVID-19 news here.

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