Raptors in self-isolation
Two Jazz players have tested positive for COVID-19
The Toronto Raptors are in a voluntary two- week lockdown as a precautionary measure following their road game in Utah 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 reporters’ microphone stationed at the podium at the end of a media session 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 be undergoing terms of self isolation over the next two weeks, but so far the Raptors are the only team to commit to the 14-day isolation ban most health bodies are suggesting.
Toronto flew home Monday night and members of the team attended two public functions, but the club reassured those who did come in contact with team members they do not require any action on their part at this time.
“According to Toronto Public Health, being in close contact with someone who does not have COVID- 19, but was exposed to someone with COVID- 19, does not constitute a risk for getting COVID-19 and does not require public health follow up. People who attended these events should continue to monitor their health, practice social distancing and hand washing, and contact a health professional should they develop symptoms,” the Raptors said in a news release.
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.
Teams not in self- isolation do have the freedom to practice and will do so in the interim. But there will be no games for the foreseeable future.
How long this will last really is up to how long it takes or even if the coronavirus pandemic can be neutralized.