Idris Elba suggested to Oprah Winfrey that the novel coronavirus pandemic is the world's response to being "damaged" by humanity.

The Luther actor revealed that he tested positive for COVID-19 on Twitter last week, writing:

"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."

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He has since been in self-isolation with his wife, Sabrina Dhowre, who has also tested positive.

Now, in a video interview with the famous talk show host, the 47-year-old asserted that it was "really obvious" to him that the outbreak is Earth's response to being abused by humankind.

"One of the upsides of this whole drama is that we are forced to think together as a race," Elba said. "Our world has been taking a kicking. We have damaged our world and it's no surprise that our world is reacting to the human race."

Watch the interview below:

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"It is no surprise that a virus has been created that is going to slow us down, and ultimately make us think differently about our world and ourselves," he continued. "For me, that's a stand-out thing that is really obvious. This is almost like the world's cry out. Like: 'Hey, hey, hey - you are kicking me and what you're doing is not good, so we will get rid of you.'"

“As any organism would do, [Earth] is trying to get rid of an infection, and maybe this is it for the world.”

This nurse was in tears after panic buyers prevented her from buying food after her 48-hour shift:

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"I think we all lose as human beings if we just think of this as a physical virus," Winfrey responded. "I think it is exactly as you said, that it is here to teach us, show us something about ourselves, as individuals and also as a world of people."

In the caption of the post that shared the video, Winfrey wrote: "Idris fills me in on his journey and Sabrina reveals the result of her test after they decided to quarantine together. Like millions of people all over the world, I've been staying safer at home for over a week now. I know a lot of people are feeling stressed, overwhelmed, & uncertain."

“Bc of that, I want to offer some hope & gather thought leaders & people going through it to add some perspective. And this is the moment for our humanity to either rise or not.”

The interview was conducted as part of Winfrey's new Apple TV+ show, Oprah Talks Covid-19.

Idris Elba suggests coronavirus pandemic is Earth's response to being 'damaged' by humanity