A youngster from Rhode Island has tested positive for coronavirus after meeting Frenchman Rudy Gobert, the first NBA player known to have tested positive for the virus.
Two children, a second-grader and a pre-schooler from the town of Westerly, have contracted COVID-19.
One of them received an autograph from the player in Boston a week earlier.
Gobert ended up signing an autograph for the kid when the Utah Jazz were playing against the Boston Celtics on March 6.
A child from Rhode Island has tested positive for coronavirus just days after receiving an autograph from Utah Jazz player Rudy Gobert
Rudy Gobert jokingly rubbed his hands across reporter’s microphones during a press conference. He later tested positive for coronavirus
Westerly Police said that schools in the town will be closed next week after the two students who go to Springbrook Elementary School tested positive
State health officials say there is no link between the two cases.
‘TD Garden and Boston Celtics have talked with health officials who assured us that based on the affected players’ health statuses, it is highly unlikely that anyone from the Celtics team came into contact with them while they were contagious,’ the arena said in a statement. ‘Furthermore, the risk is low for guests, players and associates who were at the Celtics game on Friday, March 6 and events thereafter.’
Westerly Police chief Shawn Lacey told the Providence Journal that schools in the town will be closed next week after the two students who go to the same elementary school tested positive.
Students and staff at the Springbrook Elementary School are now on a two-week quarantine.
Gobert on Monday joked about the NBA’s policy to keep media members at a safe distance from players in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
He touched all the microphones and other recording equipment at the press table after concluding interviews with the media in a room at the Jazz’s press facility.
After Jazz teammate Donovan Mitchell confirmed Thursday over social media that he tested positive for coronavirus, Gobert issued an apology on Instagram.
Letters went home to parents on Friday explaining the quarantine process
The Rhode Island Department of Health is recommending the youngsters observe a 12-day period of quarantine
Rudy Gobert (right) and Donovan Mitchell (left) both tested positive for coronavirus
Gobert, who was filmed earlier in the week jokingly touching microphones and tape recorders at a press conference has also publicly apologized and spoken out about his diagnosis
‘I want to thank everyone for the outpouring of concern and support over the last 24 hours. I have gone through so many emotions since learning of my diagnosis … mostly fear, anxiety and embarrassment,’ Gobert wrote.
‘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. I will do whatever I can to support using my experience as way to educate others and prevent the spread of this virus. I am under great care and will fully recover. Thank you again for all your support. I encourage everyone to take all of the steps to stay safe and healthy. Love.’
The NBA suspended the regular season late Wednesday after Gobert’s positive result.
Since his foolhardy actions, Gobert has attempted to make amends, pledging $200,000 to part-time employees at the arena that plays host to Jazz games to help cover their lost wages.
Gobert has attempted to make amends pledging $200,000 to part-time employees at the arena that plays host to Jazz games to help cover lost wages and donated $100k to France
He also pledged $100,000 each to assist families affected by the pandemic in Oklahoma City, where he was when the diagnosis came, and Utah.
He also is giving 100,000 Euros ($111,450 USD) to relief efforts in France, earmarking that for childcare assistance to health care workers as well as for caregivers to the elderly.
‘I am humbled by the tireless efforts and care of people around the globe for those affected by COVID-19, especially my own communities of Utah and France, in addition to my appreciation for the state of Oklahoma and my care there, and of course, my Utah Jazz family,’ Gobert said in a release distributed by the Jazz.
‘I know there are countless ways that people have been impacted,’ Gobert continued. ‘These donations are a small token that reflect my appreciation and support for all those impacted and are the first of many steps I will take to try and make a positive difference, while continuing to learn more about COVID-19 and educate others.’
