Idris Elba Urges People To Stop Saying Black Folk Can’t Get Coronavirus

On Tuesday Idris Elba took to Twitter Live to give an update on his status since testing positive for coronavirus. He also wants ya’ll to stop saying black people can’t get COVID-19.

“Please stop with the conspiracy theory nonsense about black people not being able to get coronavirus,” he said. “It’s dumb, it’s silly and very dangerous.”

He added, “Now is not the time, people need to know facts, need to know the truth so that they can protect themselves.”

As promised, Elba gave his fans an update just one day after announcing he has the virus.

https://t.co/RQpmkcgtYU

— Idris Elba (@idriselba) March 17, 2020

Reveals He Has Asthma

Elba says his known exposure to the disease was March 4 which was when he was around someone that also tested positive. Elba did not reveal who but says the person was also on location where he’s film a new movie.

As for how he’s feeling, he says he’s a little tired and revealed that he has asthma.

“I don’t have a fever. I have asthma so I fit in the category for those at high risk,” he explained.

Idris added, “I’ve had asthma all my life. I’ don’t feel any restriction within my breathing and my lungs. I have a little bit of a runny nose … I generally feel ok.”

He also says he’s not taking any medication because there’s nothing really to medicate at this point.

Says Wife Is Ok

The 47-year-old actor also reiterated that his wife Sabrina Dhowre does not have it. He also defended her sitting next him in the announcement video. Apparently people asked why she was in the video he posted on Monday. Elba says she is now taking a step back because the response was too overwhelming but she could be heard in the background.

The “Luther” star also admitted that he is worried but also says he was motivated by Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson coming out to the public about their diagnosis.

“Honestly I was motivated by Tom’s move there. I also think there is some transparency when Tom and I talk about. But I’m worried that people are going to stigmatize other people and were going to panic.”

Passing The Time With Music

He says he’s passing the time playing music and learning to play the guitar. He said he and Sabrina are have been playing video games, playing chess and cooking trying to keep their spirits up.