Negative once, and Jackie’s thinking of going home
Hammer thrower Jackie Wong Siew Cheer, the first national athlete to fall victim to the Covid-19 outbreak, could be going home from the hospital tomorrow and he is keeping his fingers crossed.
He has to test negative twice for the virus before he can be discharged.
The burly Sarawak athlete’s first test was done on Monday and it was negative. He underwent another test yesterday (Thursday) morning and he will know the result by tomorrow.
Jackie, who was admitted to the Sibu General Hospital after being tested positive on March 16, said in a telephone interview that he was in high spirits after the first test came back negative.
“I am optimistic that my second test, which was taken this morning, will also be negative.
“I am in a stable condition as I am only taking some supplements to boost my immune system,” said Jackie.
“I am getting bored in the hospital as no one can visit me and I really don’t know what is happening outside of the hospital,” said Jackie.
“I only get phone calls from my family members, my coach Gu Yuan and officials of the Malaysian Athletics Federation (MAF).
“I am also glad that my dad, who is still admitted at the Sibu Hospital, is showing signs of improvement,” said Jackie, who is believed to have contracted the virus from his father Wong Ling Biu when he visited his family in Sarikei on March 2.
The 27-year-old Jackie holds the national record of 68.22m which he did in the Malaysian Closed last August and collected the silver medal at the Philippines SEA Games last December.
His target this year was to hit the 69m in competitions. For now, though, he would be happy with just being allowed to go home.