Idris Elba denies calling for annual quarantine week: ‘I didn’t suggest an actual lockdown’

Actor was ridiculed for remarks as people pointed out they were unlikely to forget current predicament anytime soon

Idris Elba has denied that he suggested the world go into quarantine for one week every year to commemorate the coronavirus pandemic.

The Luther star, who tested positive for Covid-19 along with his wife, Sabrina Dhowre, in March, was ridiculed for comments that suggested it would be necessary to remember the current lockdown.

The 47-year-old appeared to suggest an annual quarantine during an interview with the Associated Press, where he quoted as saying: “You know, everyone’s sort of feeling the way we have been feeling, but it has definitely been sort of just a complete upheaval.

“I think that the world should take a week of quarantine every year just to remember this time. Remember each other. I really do.

“I think it’s… other species use it. It’s called hibernation. But it does remind you that the world doesn’t tick on your time.”

Among the people to mock Elba’s comment was talk-show host Wendy Williams, who said in a Youtube video: “Is he serious? I don’t need to be reminded of this. This is something you’ll never forget.

“Will you ever forget it? Will you have to quarantine next year this time? I don’t. Idris, sit down.”

Elba has now tweeted: “I didn’t suggest an actual annual lockdown. I suggested a way of remembrance annually. Lazy journalism and click bate thirst will get your words twisted real quick [sic].”

“The actual POINT was that agriculture and the rural poor will suffer long after this time. Focus don’t hocus,” he added.