After virus infection, Celtics’ Smart warns young to take it seriously

 

 

LOS ANGELES, USA – After revealing that he tested positive for the new coronavirus, Boston Celtics star Marcus Smart urged young people to take the threat seriously and practice social distancing.

Smart tested positive Thursday, March 19, but said he was not showing any of the symptoms. (READ: Lakers, Celtics, 2 other NBA teams announce coronavirus positives)

“I feel great. I feel fine. I feel like I can go play a game right now,” the 26-year-old from Texas told CNN Friday, March 20.

But he had a warning for young Americans like those shown partying on Florida beaches undeterred by the threat of COVID-19.

“I advise my generation, I am 26, to take it seriously,” Smart said. “Be alert. Take precautions. By protecting yourself, you protect others.

“That’s the key. People are not showing symptoms so it is hard for anyone to know they have the virus. But being around a group of people, friends, family and not isolating themselves, you are a carrier. You can spread the virus around without knowing.”

On Twitter he also stressed that the younger generation must self-distance.

“This is not a joke. Not doing so is selfish. Together we can beat this, but we must beat it together by being apart for a short while. Much love!!,” he tweeted.

At least 14 NBA team members have so far tested positive for COVID-19, including Brooklyn Nets’ Kevin Durant and Utah Jazz’s Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell.

On Wednesday, commissioner Adam Silver said NBA players should be considered “super spreaders” of the disease.

 

We will beat this together by being apart for just a little while! #TogetherApart @CNN @ChrisCuomo https://t.co/Wo7TYkJnrv

— marcus smart (@smart_MS3) March 21, 2020

 

Silver’s comments came amid criticism that wealthy athletes were getting tested for the virus ahead of critically ill patients in US hospitals. (READ: NBA chief defends league over virus tests for ‘wealthy’)

Smart said he was tested on Saturday and got the results 5 days later.

“I found out yesterday evening,” he said. “I was like, Oh wow! It makes you alert to what is going on.”

Smart told CNN he was not worried about his symptoms getting worse.

“I talked to my doctors and they just told me that I have not experienced symptoms yet so I should be on the last curve of the ball.

“I am just ready to get this behind and move on.”

In 53 games in the 2019-2020 season, Smart is averaging 4.8 assists and 3.8 rebounds per contest.

Smart is a first-round pick of the Celtics in the 2014 NBA draft.

 

I was tested 5 days ago and the results came back tonight, which were positive. Ive been self quarantined since the test, thank goodness. COVID-19 must be taken w the highest of seriousness. I know it’s a #1 priority for our nations health experts, & we must get more testing ASAP pic.twitter.com/xkijb9wlKV

— marcus smart (@smart_MS3) March 19, 2020

 

– Rappler.com