Saints coach Sean Payton, 56, tests positive for coronavirus following Mardi Gras season as he becomes the latest sports figure to contract the deadly virus
- New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton has tested positive for coronavirus
- He may have been exposed to the respiratory infection by the influx of seasonal tourists in the area. Louisiana had 380 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 10 deaths
- It is not yet clear how he got screened amid a public shortage of tests. Saints spokesman did not immediately respond to a Daily Mail request for comment
- As Payton told ESPN, ‘the concern with Louisiana is the amount of people that come in and out of this area after Mardi Gras season’
- Since learning his diagnosis, Payton has remained at home without a fever
- He was achy on Sunday, was tested Monday, and learned his diagnosis Thursday
- Payton also pleaded with the public to stay home as much as possible
- As Payton wrote on Twitter: ‘I’m feeling better and fortunate to not have any of the respiratory symptoms. 4 more days at home’
- Coronavirus symptoms: what are they and should you see a doctor?
New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton has tested positive for coronavirus and may have been exposed to the respiratory infection by the influx of seasonal tourists in the area.
‘The concern with Louisiana is the amount of people that come in and out of this area after Mardi Gras season,’ Payton told ESPN, which was the first to report his infection. ‘This is an area that doctors are concerned about.’
As of Thursday evening, Louisiana had 380 confirmed cases of coronavirus and 10 deaths, according to WDSU.com.
It was not immediately clear how Payton managed to get screened amid a public shortage of tests. Saints spokesman did not immediately respond to a Daily Mail request for comment.
He did post a picture on Twitter, showing himself at home with his dog and thanking fans for their support: ‘Appreciate the well wishes. I’m feeling better and fortunate to not have any of the respiratory symptoms. 4 more days at home.’
New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton (left) has tested positive for coronavirus
Payton may have been exposed to the virus by the influx of tourists around Mardi Gras season
Payton is the first high-profile person in NFL circles to contract the virus. The 56-year-old veteran coach told ESPN that he did not feel well on Sunday, prompting him to get tested on Monday, and on Thursday he learned that he is positive.
Since learning his diagnosis, Payton has remained at home, telling ESPN he has no fever or cough.
Payton will remained quarantined at home, but says he is upbeat and is warning others to stay inside.
‘This is not just about social distancing,’ Payton told ESPN. ‘It’s shutting down here for a week to two weeks. If people understand the curve, and understand the bump, we can easily work together as a country to reduce it. Take a minute to understand what the experts are saying. It’s not complicated to do what they’re asking of us. Just that type of small investment by every one of us will have a dramatic impact.
‘I was fortunate to be in the minority, without the serious side effects that some have. I’m lucky. Younger people feel like they can handle this, but they can be a carrier to someone who can’t handle it. So we all need to do our part. It’s important for every one of us to do our part.’
The NFL has not officially delayed its season, which is scheduled to start in September, but the format of next month’s draft could be changed to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
A former Super Bowl champion, Payton did get some good news earlier this week when he learned that the Saints’ longtime quarterback Drew Brees will be back after agreeing on a two-year deal to stay in New Orleans.
A reveler make their way through the French Quarter during Fat Tuesday celebrations on February 25, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Fat Tuesday, or Mardi Gras in French, is a celebration traditionally held before the observance of Ash Wednesday and the beginning of the Christian Lenten season