Idris Elba Chats with Oprah Winfrey about His Coronavirus Diagnosis While He Remains in Quarantine
Idris Elba is one of the celebrities who took to social media to reveal that they’d tested positive for the coronavirus. During a recent interview with Oprah Winfrey, the actor gave an update on his status.
On March 16, 2020, Elba revealed to his fans that he had been diagnosed with the coronavirus. Over the weekend, the star spoke to Winfrey while quarantined in New Mexico with his wife Sabrina Dhowre.
The actor was in the state while shooting the film “The Harder They Fall” for Netflix. Elba spoke to Winfrey for her new Apple TV+ series, “Oprah Talks: COVID-19.”
Idris Elba and Sabrina Dhowre Elba at the official launch party of Lucky Cat by Gordon Ramsay on September 2, 2019, in London, England | Photo: David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images
Elba has no COVID-19 symptoms
He shared with her how he could be spreading the virus by being in public or with family. The “Avengers” actor noted: “I could be still be spreading it and I have no symptoms."
It was always real for me but it became very real
Elba also explained how his doctor told him that it’s possible he “had symptoms” but “didn’t realize it.” The star revealed how he’d had headaches and “an achy body.”
Oprah Winfrey being interviewed on "CBS This Morning" about her new Book Club Selection, "Olive, Again" on November 7, 2019 | Photo: Michele Crowe/CBS via Getty Images
Chalking down symptoms to exhaustion
Initially, he thought those symptoms were caused by “a higher altitude” or “traveling a lot.” He shared how he’d finished doing another job, “five or ten days,” before the one in New Mexico.
Elba explained that he’d figured the symptoms were due to him overworking himself. So far, his temperature hasn’t gone above 98 degrees and he hasn’t had any other major symptoms.
The coronavirus is real
The “Luther” actor also explained that he’d chosen to share his diagnosis because he wanted people to know the virus was real. He added how testing positively affected him stating: “It was always real for me but it became very real.”
Inspired by Tom Hanks to disclose
In a previous statement, Elba revealed that he was inspired by Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson, who also publicly announced their COVID-19 diagnosis. His wife also shared in the interview that she had also tested positive for the illness.
Idris’ wife is also positive
The model and actress revealed that she didn’t have any symptoms just like her husband. She was honest enough to explain that things could change for them in the coming weeks but promised to keep “everyone updated.”
In the caption of the video, Winfrey explained that she was doing the series because she: “Wanted to offer some hope.”
We at AmoMama do our best to give you the most updated news regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, but the situation is constantly changing. We encourage readers to refer to the online updates from CDC, WHO, or Local Health Departments to stay updated. Take care!