Evangeline Lilly apologises for 'arrogant' decision not to self-isolate

Evangeline Lilly has apologised for previously refusing to self-isolate amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The Avengers Star 40, took to Instagram to share a photo of her family playing the board game Monopoly.

She captioned the photo: “I am writing you from my home where I have been social distancing since Mar 18th - when social distancing was instituted in the small community where I am currently living.”

She continued: "At the time of my Mar 16th post, the directives from the authorities here were that we not [sic] congregate in groups of more than 250ppl and that we wash our hands regularly, which we were doing."

"Two days later, those directives changed and, despite my intense trepidation over the socioeconomic and political repercussions of this course of action, PLEASE KNOW I AM DOING MY PART TO FLATTEN THE CURVE, PRACTICING SOCIAL DISTANCING AND STAYING HOME WITH MY FAMILY."

She went on to apologise for her “insensitivity” and continued “my ensuing silence has sent a dismissive, arrogant and cryptic message. My direct and special apologies to those most affected by this pandemic.”

On March 16 Lilly posted a photo of her morning tea on Instagram with the caption “Just dropped my kids off at gymnastics camp. They all washed their hands before going in. They are playing and laughing." She then wrote "business as usual."

Her post sparked criticism from many including Game of Thrones star Sophie Turner.

In the United States the total number of deaths by Covid-19 is 1,384 with 93,329 cases.

When Lilly wrote her initial post on March 16 the American government had enforced self-isolation as a way to prevent the virus from spreading.

There was additional concern because Lilly lives with her father, who she has said has stage 4 leukaemia making him more high-risk.