Report: Utah Jazz Center Rudy Gobert Tests Positive For COVID-19
Mar 11, 2020, 7:32 PM | Updated: 8:39 pm
Rudy Gobert #27 and Emmanuel Mudiay #8 of the Utah Jazz speak during the game against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on January 12, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
(Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oka. – Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for coronavirus disease, otherwise known as COVID-19, according to Stadium’s Shams Charania.
Gobert was ruled out of the lineup with an undisclosed illness for the originally scheduled game between the Jazz and Thunder on Wednesday, March 11.
Utah Jazz All-Star Rudy Gobert has tested positive for coronavirus, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
Sources say Gobert is feeling good, strong and stable — and was feeling strong enough to play tonight.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 12, 2020
The Jazz released a statement saying, “This morning a player on the Utah Jazz tested negative for influenza, strep throat and an upper respiratory infection. The individual’s symptoms diminished over the course of today, however, in a precautionary measure, and in consultation and cooperation with NBA medical staff and Oklahoma health officials, the decision was made to test for COVID-19.”
“A preliminary positive result came back right before tip-off of the Utah Jazz-Oklahoma City game,” the Jazz continued. “Subsequently, the decision was correctly made by the NBA to postpone the game. When it was determined that the individual would be tested, we immediately informed the league office. The health and safety of our players, our organization, those throughout our league, and all those potentially impacted by this situation are paramount in our discussions. We are working closely with the CDC, Oklahoma and Utah state officials and the NBA to determine how to best move forward as we gather more information. The individual is currently in the care of health officials in Oklahoma City. In coordination with the NBA and state officials, we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”
"In coordination with the NBA and state officials, we will provide updates at the appropriate time."https://t.co/l0iqc41vMB
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) March 12, 2020
Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier who is a friend of Gobert’s and a fellow countryman from France tweeted that he’d spoken with the Jazz center and “he is doing good.”
Was just on the phone with Rudy. He is doing good man. Lets not panick everyone. Love you all❤️
— Evan Fournier (@EvanFourmizz) March 12, 2020
Following the announcement of the game being postponed, the NBA announced that the league was suspending all games until further notice.
“The NBA is suspending gameplay following the conclusion of tonight’s schedule of games until further notice,” read part of the league’s statement.
Breaking News: The NBA has suspended the season. Details below pic.twitter.com/6lAcBT0VQV
— Jeremiah Jensen (@JJSportsBeat) March 12, 2020
Gobert was replaced in the starting lineup by Tony Bradley prior to the game.
Tony with the start in OKC#ZionsBank | #StartingLineup pic.twitter.com/60uTaLrldd
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) March 11, 2020
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How Do I Prevent It?
The CDC has some simple recommendations, most of which are the same for preventing other respiratory illnesses or the flu:
- Avoid close contact with people who may be sick
- Avoid touching your face
- Stay home when you are sick
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. Always wash your hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
The CDC does not recommend wearing a facemask respirator to protect yourself from coronavirus unless a healthcare professional recommends it.
