Bolt tests Covid+ after B’day party
● According to reports, a surprise birthday party was thrown for Bolt by his family and friends when he turned 34 on August 21, with Manchester City star Raheem Sterling and Bayer Leverkusen winger Leon Bailey in attendance. Cricketer Chris Gayle is also said to be present at the event, which was described as a big, maskless gathering that failed to observe health safety measures.
Kingtson (Jamaica), Aug. 25: Jamaica’s Minister of Health says legendary sprinter Usain Bolt has tested positive for the novel Coronavirus.
Minister Christopher Tufton said Bolt was aware of the results and his recent contacts were being traced.
“It is now public knowledge that Mr Bolt has tested positive. He has been formally notified, I’m told by the authorities,’’ Tufton told reporters.
“It triggers an approach to questioning, interrogation if you will, which we follow through with contact tracing,’’ he added.
According to reports, a surprise birthday party was thrown for Bolt by his family and friends when he turned 34 on August 21, with Manchester City star Raheem Sterling and Bayer Leverkusen winger Leon Bailey in attendance. Cricketer Chris Gayle is also said to be present at the event, which was described as a “big, maskfree” gathering that failed to observe health safety measures.
In some videos that surfaced, Bolt was seen dancing with his visitors as they seemed to disregard proper social distancing.
Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness also said police are investigating the circumstances surrounding Bolt’s birthday party. “There are reports of an activity related to Usain Bolt. These matters are all being thoroughly investigated and the police will give a report on these matters in near future,” Holness told a virtual news conference.
Bolt said on social media on Monday that he was awaiting the result of a Coronavirus test and was quarantining himself as a precaution.
The 34-year-old retired sprinter who won gold in the 100 and 200 metres at the last three Olympics posted a video on social media to explain the situation. “Good morning everybody. Just waking up. Like everybody, checked social media and saw that social media says I’m confirmed of Covid-19. I did a test Saturday, because I
work. I’m trying to be responsible, so I’m going to stay in and stay here for my friends,’’ he said.
Bolt, who appeared to be lying in bed in the video, said he has no symptoms. “Just to be safe, I’ll quarantine myself and just take it easy,’’ he said.
Jamaica has had fewer than 1,700 cases, a relatively low number in a country of nearly 3 million.
On the track, Bolt was known for his poses — his “Lighting Bolt’’ became iconic — and of course his post-race celebrations. His speed and charisma made his sport can’t-miss viewing whenever he lined up in the blocks.
Bolt set the world records in the 100 and 200 metres at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin. He last competed internationally at the 2017 World Championships in London.
Bolt and partner Kasi Bennet welcomed the birth of a daughter, Olympia, in May. — Agencies