BOSTON CELTICS STAR Marcus Smart announced that he has tested positive for coronavirus.
The Celtics confirmed one player contracted Covid-19 on Thursday amid the pandemic, and Smart revealed his diagnoses via social media.
Smart joins the list of NBA players to confirm they’ve tested positive for coronavirus, which includes Brooklyn Nets superstar Kevin Durant and Utah Jazz pair Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell.
“I’m OK, I feel fine. I don’t feel any of the symptoms,” Smart, 26, said in a video posted to Twitter. “But I can’t stress enough practicing social distancing and really keeping yourself away from a large group of people and just really washing your hands and help protect yourself. And help protect others by protecting yourself.”
“I was tested five days ago and the results came back tonight, which were positive,” Smart added in his caption. “I’ve been self-quarantined since the test, thank goodness.
“COVID-19 must be taken w the highest of seriousness. I know it’s a #1 priority for our nations health experts, & we must get more testing ASAP.
“I’ve had no symptoms and I feel great. But the younger generation in our country MUST self-distance. This is not a joke. Not doing so is selfish. Together we can beat this, but we must beat it together by being apart for a short while. Much love!!”
The Celtics said in a statement: “A player has tested positive for COVID-19. Testing was initiated because of exposure to a known positive case.
“The Celtics player, who is not exhibiting symptoms, has been in isolation for several days and will continue to do so while being monitored by team medical staff. The team is awaiting further testing results and will communicate them as appropriate.
“Taking steps to maintain the health and safety of everyone in our organisation and across the NBA remains our top priority, and we will continue to work closely with health officials and the league in addressing this situation.”
A pair of Los Angeles Lakers players have also tested positive for coronavirus, the NBA franchise announced on Thursday.
The Lakers did not release the names of the players, though they did say the pair are currently asymptomatic, in quarantine and under the care of the team’s physician.
Lakers physicians and public health officials recommended testing for COVID-19 after four Brooklyn Nets players contracted the virus – Los Angeles played the Nets on March 10.
“All players and members of the Lakers staff are being asked to continue to observe self-quarantine and shelter at home guidelines, closely monitor their health, consult with their personal physicians and maintain constant communication with the team,” the statement read.
“The health and well-being of our players, our organisation, our fans, and all those potentially impacted by this situation is paramount. As always, we appreciate the support of our fans, family and friends, and wish everyone affected by this virus a speedy recovery.”
It comes after the Philadelphia 76ers announced that three members of the organisation tested positive for coronavirus, while the Denver Nuggets confirmed one case.
Coronavirus continues to disrupt sport – including the NBA – across the globe as countries try to contain COVID-19.
Globally, more than 10,000 people have died from almost 245,000 cases.
There have been over 205 deaths in the United States, with at least 13,700 cases.
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