Celtics' Star Marcus Smart Tests Positive for Coronavirus
GoLocalProv Sports Team
Celtics' Star Marcus Smart Tests Positive for Coronavirus
Smart confirmed the positive test in a video statement on his Twitter account on Thursday night.
“I was tested five days ago and the results came back tonight, which were positive. I’ve been self quarantined since the test, thank goodness. COVID-19 must be taken with the highest of seriousness. I know it’s a #1 priority for our nation's health experts and we must get more testing ASAP,” said Smart.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTHe continued in a separate post, “I’ve had no symptoms and I feel great. But the younger generation in our country 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.”
Smart is the first Celtics player to test positive for the coronavirus.
Prior to Smart confirming the positive test, the Celtics issued a statement:
The Boston Celtics learned today that a player has tested positive for COVID-19. Testing was initiated because of exposure to a known positive case.
The Celtics player, who is not exhibiting symptoms, has been in isolation for several days and will continue to do so while being monitored by team medical staff. The team is awaiting further testing results and will communicate them as appropriate. Taking steps to maintain the health and safety of everyone in our organization and across the NBA remains our top priority, and we will continue to work closely with health officials and the league in addressing this situation.
Coronavirus in NBA
Smart is the latest NBA player to test positive for the virus after two Los Angeles Lakers players tested positive earlier on Wednesday.
Late last week, four Brooklyn Nets players, including Kevin Durant, tested positive for the coronavirus.
The NBA season has been shut down since Wednesday, March 11 when Utah's Rudy Gobert tested positive for the virus.