Rudy Gobert Says He’s ‘Feeling A Little Better’ Every Day, Wishes He Would’ve ‘Taken This Thing More Seriously’

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert provided an update on his health after being diagnosed with COVID-19 saying he is “feeling a little better every single day” and he wishes he “would have taken this thing more seriously.”

Gobert released a video with his update via the NBA’s official Twitter account on Sunday, March 15.

“Hey. What’s up everyone? It’s Rudy Gobert. Just wanted to give you guys a little update. I’m gonna start by saying thank you to all the people that have been supportive and for all the positive energy. It really means a lot,” said Gobert. “As for myself, I’m feeling a little better every single day, thanks to the healthcare people of Utah and Oklahoma City and all the great people that are around me. As you may already know, I’m just wanting to make sure to remind you guys to keep washing your hands frequently with soap and water. Try to avoid touching your face, your nose, your eyes, and of course try to avoid making unnecessary contact with people. It’s all about protecting yourself and the people around you. I wish I would have taken this thing more seriously and I hope everyone else is going to do so because we can do it together. Take care and stay safe.”

A message from @rudygobert27 pic.twitter.com/eKV6asutGN

— NBA (@NBA) March 15, 2020

This is the second time Gobert has posted on social media since he tested positive for the coronavirus disease, COVID-19, on Wednesday, March 11.

Gobert’s Apology

On March 12, Gobert posted on social media apologizing for being “careless” about the coronavirus after testing positive for COVID-19.

“I want to thank everyone for the outpouring of concern and support over the last 24 hours,” wrote Gobert. “I have gone through so many emotions since learning of my diagnosis…mostly fear, anxiety, and embarrassment. The first and most important thing is I would like to publicly apologize to the people that I may have endangered. At the time, I had no idea I was even infected. I was careless and make no excuse. I hope my story serves as a warning and causes everyone to take this seriously. I will do whatever I can to support using my experience as a way to educate others and prevent the spread of this virus. I am under great care and will fully recover. Thank you again for all your support. I encourage everyone to take all of the steps to stay safe and healthy. Love.”

 

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I want to thank everyone for the outpouring of concern and support over the last 24 hours. I have gone through so many emotions since learning of my diagnosis…mostly fear, anxiety, and embarrassment. The first and most important thing is I would like to publicly apologize to the people that I may have endangered. At the time, I had no idea I was even infected. I was careless and make no excuse. I hope my story serves as a warning and causes everyone to take this seriously. I will do whatever I can to support using my experience as way to educate others and prevent the spread of this virus . I am under great care and will fully recover. Thank you again for all your support. I encourage everyone to take all of the steps to stay safe and healthy. Love.

A post shared by Rudy Gobert (@rudygobert27) on Mar 12, 2020 at 1:03pm PDT

“Jazz players privately say that Rudy Gobert had been careless in the locker room touching other players and their belongings,” ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski posted on Twitter.

Jazz star Donovan Mitchell has tested positive for the coronavirus, league sources tell ESPN. Jazz players privately say that Rudy Gobert had been careless in the locker room touching other players and their belongings. Now a Jazz teammate has tested positive.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 12, 2020

Gobert’s $500,000 Donation

The Jazzman is following in the footsteps of fellow NBA stars by pledging to help cover the expenses of Vivint Smart Home Arena employees while they are out of work during the coronavirus pandemic that has suspended all NBA play.

Gobert will donate $500,000 to Part-Time Employees and COVID-Related Services in Utah as NBA commissioner Adam Silver has stated that the league will be suspended for at least 30 days.

Rudy Gobert Contributes $500,000 to Part-Time Employees, COVID-Related Services in Utah. pic.twitter.com/BTAaITVnKM

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) March 14, 2020

The donation will provide $200,000 in aid to part-time employees at the home arena of the Jazz who are not able to work due to the stoppage. An additional $100,000 each will be contributed to families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in Utah and Oklahoma City, plus 100,000 euros for his native country of France according to the release.

Coronavirus Resources

Have you or a family member been affected by coronavirus issues in Utah? KSL TV wants to hear from you. Contact KSL by emailing social@ksl.com.

What is COVID-19? Here’s What You Need To Know To Stay Healthy

What We Know And Don’t Know About The Coronavirus

Four Common Coronavirus Questions Answered

The latest coronavirus stories from KSL TV can be found here.

Your Life Your Health: How can parents prepare their home, children against coronavirus?

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.