Celebrities with coronavirus: Linda Lusardi and Idris Elba test positive for COVID-19

19 March 2020, 10:46 | Updated: 7 June 2023, 08:56

Which celebrities have tested for coronavirus so far? And who? Here’s the full list from Tom Hanks to NBA star.

Coronavirus cases are increasing day by day in the UK and globally and we now have many confirmed celebrity cases of COVID-19.

Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson were officially the first celebrities to test positive for coronavirus which the actor revealed on Instagram.

So, are there any other celebrities with coronavirus? And which stars have taken a test for the bug?

Here are the celebrities with coronavirus so far:

Linda Lusardi

Linda Lusardi announced on Twitter she has coronavirus and is 'extremely ill'.

Replying to a fan who asked for a message for her Grandad, Linda, 61, replied: "Sorry Kerry. I am extremely ill with Corona at the moment."

Idris Elba

The actor and star of The Wire announced he has Covid-19.

Announcing the news on Twitter, he said: "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. No panic."

He is believed to have caught the virus from Sophie Trudeau, wife of the Canadian Prime Minister, who he met last week.

Mikel Arteta

The Arsenal head coach has tested positive for coronavirus.

Their London training ground has been closed for a deep clean and any Arsenal employee who had contact with him, including a number of members of the first-team squad, have gone into isolation.

Arsenal's match against Brighton on Saturday has been postponed and the Premier League are having a meeting today (Friday) to discuss the possible suspension of top-flight football.

Callum Hudson-Odoi

The Chelsea winger says he is doing well after testing positive for Covid-19.

Chelsea say the youngster "displayed symptoms similar to a mild cold on Monday morning" and stayed away from the the training ground.

The London club added that the winger is "doing well and looking forward to returning to the training ground as soon as it is possible".

Tom Hanks and wife Rita Wilson

The actor, who was on set of a new movie in Australia, confirmed the news on Instagram and wrote: “Hello, folks. Rita and I are down here in Australia. We felt a bit tired, like we had colds, and some body aches.

“Rita had some chills that came and went. Slight fevers too. To play things right, as is needed in the world right now, we were tested for the Coronavirus, and were found to be positive.”

The couple are now in isolation and said they will be taking it a “day at a time”.

Sophie Gregoire Trudeau

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has gone into isolation after his wife Sophie tested positive for coronavirus.

He announced the couple are in 14-day isolation after she tested positive. Mr Trudeau is not showing symptoms and will work from home.

Nadine Dorries

Health Minister Nadine Dorries confirmed she has tested positive for Covid-19.

The Conservative MP, who rose of fame when she appeared on I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, revealed she had caught the virus, but says she is on the mend.

Writing on Twitter, she said: "Thanks for so many good wishes. It’s been pretty rubbish but I hope I’m over the worst of it now.

"More worried about my 84yo mum who is staying with me and began with the cough today. She is being tested tomorrow. Keep safe and keep washing those hands, everyone."

Daniele Rugani

Italy footballer Daniele Rugani says he is "fine" after testing positive for coronavirus.

Juventus have activated "all the isolation procedures required by law", including for those who have come into contact with Rugani, with Reuters reporting the entire Juventus squad are in isolation.

All sport in Italy is suspended until 3 April, with the country in lockdown because of the coronavirus outbreak.

Writing on Twitter, Rugani wrote: "You've read the news, so I want to reassure everyone who's worried about me, I'm fine.

"I urge everyone to respect the rules, because this virus makes no distinction! Let's do it for ourselves, for our loved ones and for those around us."

Real Madrid players in quarantine

A number of Real Madrid players have been placed in isolation after a player from the basketball team based at their facility tested positive for Covid-19.

La Liga matches have already been suspended, while their Champions League match with Manchester City has also been postponed.

A statement read: "Real Madrid announces that a member of our basketball first team has tested positive for coronavirus.

"The recommendation of remaining in quarantine has been followed with immediate effect, with this measure applied to both the basketball and football first teams, given that the two squads share the facilities at Real Madrid City. 

"In addition, a decision has been made to close our training ground and it is recommended that all Real Madrid staff who work at Real Madrid City remain in quarantine."