Covid-19: Former sprint king Usain Bolt is positive

Usain Bolt is positive for Covid-19, but the eight-time Olympic gold medalist, currently in quarantine, "does not feel any symptoms", assures his agent. "The Covid-19 test is positive, but Usain does not feel any symptoms," wrote Ricky Simms, Bolt's agent, in an email sent to the US news channel. On Monday, the former athlete announced on Instagram that he had quarantined himself, pending the result of his test passed on Saturday. “I woke up like everyone else, I looked at social networks where it says I have the Covid-19. I took a test on Saturday to leave (Jamaica) because I have a job to do. I try to be responsible. So I will stay here, safe. Plus, I don't have any symptoms, ”Bolt said. “I'm going to quarantine myself and wait for confirmation to see what the protocol is established by the Ministry of Health. I'm going to call my friends who have been in contact with me and tell them to go to safety, to quarantine and take things calmly, ”he added. It was only later, during a virtual press briefing, that Jamaican Minister of Health Christopher Tufton indirectly confirmed that the star had contracted the disease, stressing that "it is now common knowledge that Mr. Bolt has tested positive ”.

Sharp increase in positive coronavirus cases in Jamaica

On Friday, the most successful athlete in Olympic history in sprinting, with eight gold medals, attended a party to celebrate his 34th birthday, which was attended by several celebrities including footballers Raheem Sterling ( Manchester City) and Leon Bailey (Bayer 04 Leverkusen). A number of photos and videos of the party have since gone viral on social media, in which unmasked attendees can be seen performing dance steps without following social distancing rules. On Monday, the Jamaican prime minister said the party in question would be under police investigation for potential breach of health protocols. Jamaica has seen a sharp increase in positive coronavirus cases in recent weeks. On Monday, the country registered 83 new, bringing the island's total to 1,612 and 16 people have died, according to Johns Hopkins University.

Read also

• Usain Bolt in quarantine, awaiting the result of a Covid test