Evangeline Lilly has ignored calls to self-isolate in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, describing the deadly virus as a “respiratory flu”.

The Ant Man and the Wasp actor posted on Instagram: “Just dropped my kids off at gymnastics camp. They all washed their hands before going in.”

“They are playing and laughing," she continued, adding: “#businessasusual”​.

With businesses and schools closing around the world because of the virus outbreak, Lilly’s stance has provoked consternation among some commenters.

One reply wrote: “I urge you to reconsider your selfish and ignorant stance. You won’t forgive yourself if your mother is to suffer as a result of your stupidity.”

“Don’t be silly please. It is serious”, wrote another.

Replying to some of the comments left on her post, the Canadian actor wrote: “I am also immune compromised at the moment.” This is in reference to her father, who has stage four leukemia.

“I have two young kids. Some people value their lives over freedom, some people value freedom over their lives. We all make our choices.”

In another comment, she wrote: “Where we are right now feels a lot too close to Marshall Law [sic] for my comfort already, all in the name of a respiratory flu.

"It’s unnerving…Let’s be vigilant right now. And kind. Watchful and gracious – keeping a close eye on our leaders, making sure they don’t abuse this moment to steal away more freedoms and grab more power.”

Lilly, who plays the Wasp in the Marvel Cinematic universe, shot to fame playing Kate Austen in TV series Lost.

You can read up-to-date information about the pandemic here.

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