Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart announced on Twitter that he has tested positive for coronavirus as the number of cases in the NBA continues to grow.
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Smart, who posted a video on Twitter shortly after the Celtics released a statement, said he has been in isolation since getting tested five days ago.
"I'm OK, I feel fine. I don't feel any of the symptoms," Smart said in the video.
"But I can't stress enough practicing social distancing, and really keep yourself away from a large group of people -- just really washing your hands and help protect yourself, and help protect others by protecting yourself."
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!!
— marcus smart (@smart_MS3) March 19, 2020
In the statement, the Celtics said they “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.”
The Celtics are the seventh NBA team with a confirmed case of COVID-19, joining the Utah Jazz, Brooklyn Nets, Denver Nuggets, Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Lakers.
