Raptors in two-week lockdown after Jazz players test positive
The Toronto Raptors are in a voluntary two-week lockdown as a precautionary measure following their road game in Utah on Monday night.
Their opponents, the Jazz, have since confirmed two positive cases of COVID-19.
The first positive test came Tuesday evening in Oklahoma City, where the team was supposed to play the Thunder. Centre Rudy Gobert was that first positive test.
In light of that positive test, the NBA made the historic decision to suspend the season.
Following Gobert’s positive test, the rest of the Jazz players were tested and shooting guard Donovan Mitchell also tested positive for the virus. According to a report from ESPN’S Adrian Wojnarowski,
“Jazz players privately say that Rudy Gobert had been careless in the locker-room, touching other players and their belongings. Now a Jazz teammate has tested positive.”
Gobert was seen touching every microphone stationed at the podium at the end of a media session on Monday that addressed, in part, the coronavirus. His action was perceived to be done in a joking manner.
Gobert responded to the developments Thursday on Instagram.
“I have gone through so many emotions since learning of my diagnosis ... mostly fear, anxiety, and embarrassment,” he posted. “The first and most important thing is I would like to publicly apologize to the people that I may have endangered. At the time, I had no idea I was even infected. I was careless and make no excuse. I hope my story serves as a warning and causes everyone to take this seriously.”
Five teams besides the Jazz will enter self isolation over the next two weeks, but so far the Raptors are the only team to commit to the 14-day isolation that most health bodies are suggesting.
The Raptors flew home on Monday night and members of the team have attended two public functions since, but the club reassured those who came in contact with team members that no action on their part is required at this time.
The entire travelling party has been tested, and when those tests are finalized, the Raptors will issue a further statement.
The same group has also been advised to go into self-isolation for 14 days, limiting any contact with the public.