BOLT TESTS POSITIVE FOR VIRUS
KINGSTON, Jamaica—sprint great Usain Bolt tested positive for coronavirus with police in Jamaica now investigating the circumstances around his birthday party held last week. The eight-time Olympic gold medalist revealed on social media on Wednesday that he had taken a coronavirus test on Saturday.
Jamaica’s Minister of Health 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 Monday evening. “‘It triggers an approach to questioning, interrogation if you will, which we follow through with contact tracing.”
The 34-year-old retired sprinter who won gold in the 100 and 200 meters 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,” he said. “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.”
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.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness said police are investigating the case. He didn’t specify what offense might have been committed, though Jamaica has imposed social distancing requirements due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“They’re looking into all aspects of the matter. So no one is going to be treated with any exemption or given any special treatment. All Jamaicans have a duty,” 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 postrace celebrations. His speed and charisma made his sport can’tmiss viewing whenever he lined up in the blocks.
Bolt set the world records in the 100 and 200 meters at the 2009 world championships in Berlin. He retired in 2017.
Jamaica’s Health Minister Tufton confirmed Bolt’s positive test at a virtual Covid-19 press conference alongside Prime Minister Holness.
Tufton was asked about Bolt’s positive test, as well as reports public figures visiting Jamaica had potentially breached rules which require them to quarantine for 14 days after arriving in the nation.
“In keeping with the protocols when there is a positive case, irrespective of the individuals, it triggers an approach in questioning which would then follow through with contact tracing,”
Tufton said. “I am not aware of any specific individual coming in and breaching the orders for quarantining. However, we do not discriminate depending on the person, the rules apply to everyone.”
Bolt held a party on August 21 to mark his 34th birthday at the Football Factory, a sports complex in Kingston, as reported by The Jamaica Gleaner.
A host of famous personalities reportedly attended the party, including footballers Raheem Sterling and Leon Bailey and entertainers Ding Dong, Christopher Martin and Munga Honourable.
Videos and photos on social media showed Bolt and some guests not wearing masks. Under local rules in Jamaica, it is mandatory to wear masks in public, while gatherings of more than 20 people in any one place are not permitted.
“The police are investigating all aspects of this matter,” Holness said. No one is being treated with any exemption or any special treatment. All Jamaicans have a duty.