Jamaica’s health minister, Dr. Christopher Tufton, announced on Monday night that world-record sprinter and eight-time Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt has tested positive for COVID-19.
Bolt was already self-isolating after being tested on Saturday. He posted a video on social media explaining what was going on, and assuring everyone that he’s currently asymptomatic.
“I’m just waking up, and like everybody else I checked social media which is saying I am confirmed to have Covid-19. I did a test on Saturday to leave because I work. I am trying to be responsible so I am going to stay in and stay here for my friends.
“I’m having no symptoms so I am going to quarantine myself and wait on the confirmation, to see what is the protocol and how I should go about quarantining myself. Until then, I am saying anyone who has had contact with me should quarantine by themselves just to be safe, and just to take it easy.”
Bolt’s birthday party
One thing that Bolt doesn’t discuss in the video is his big birthday bash on Friday, the day he turned 34. According to Reuters, videos of the surprise party show guests not wearing face masks or practicing social distancing. Ironically, guests also reportedly danced to the song “Lockdown” by Jamaican reggae singer Koffee.
Several famous athletes reportedly attended the party, including Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling. Sterling was tested and was found to not have COVID-19, which means he can now leave Jamaica to travel back to England. Good thing, because on Tuesday he was named to Man City’s squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League games in early September.
Jamaica has seen a surge in COVID-19 infections over several months. Ten weeks ago the country had fewer than 10 cases per day; now it’s getting over 60. In all, Jamaica has 1,612 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 622 active cases and 16 deaths.
Bolt, who retired from sports in 2017, still holds the world record in the 100m and 200m.
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