Utah Department Of Health Clears Jazz Players Rudy Gobert, Donovan Mitchell Of Coronavirus

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Utah Department of Health cleared Utah Jazz players Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell of isolation after testing positive for the coronavirus disease, COVID-19, more than two weeks ago.

It was announced that the two players “no longer pose a risk of infection to others” on Friday, March 27.

“All Utah Jazz have been cleared by the Utah Department of Health after completing their respective periods of isolation and quarantine following exposure to COVID-19. In accordance with CDC and NBA recommendations, all players and staff will continue to practice social distancing while limiting time outside their homes to essential activities,” said the Utah Jazz, “The Utah Department of Health has determined that all Jazz players and staff, regardless of prior testing status, no longer pose a risk of infection to others.”

BREAKING: As of today, all Jazz players and staff (including Gobert and Mitchell) have been cleared by the UDOH. Regardless of prior #COVID-19 testing status they no longer pose a risk of infection to others, according to @utahjazz.

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) March 27, 2020

Gobert was the first Jazzman to test positive for the coronavirus disease, COVID-19. He received a positive on Wednesday, March 11 while the Jazz were in Oklahoma City to play against the Thunder.

Following Gobert’s test results, the NBA postponed Utah’s game against Oklahoma City and announced that it was suspending all games until further notice.

Mitchell, along with the rest of the Jazz roster, waited inside the arena to be tested for the virus. The next morning, Mitchell received news that he’d also tested positive for the virus.

Both players spent the next two weeks in self-isolation and quarantine while recovering from the virus.

After receiving news that he was cleared of the virus, Mitchell celebrated his recovery by posting a GIF on Twitter.

🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/3JkZXqGr8U

— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) March 27, 2020

Mitchell also encouraged people to “continue to practice social distancing” and to remember that “even though you may not have symptoms you still may be infected!! Let’s keep everyone in our prayers and stay safe.”

On a more serious note… let’s continue to practice social distancing and remember… even though you may not have symptoms you still may be infected!! Let’s keep everyone in our prayers and stay safe❤️🙏🏾

— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) March 27, 2020

Rudy Gobert

On March 12, Gobert posted on social media and apologized 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.”

Gobert donated $500,000 to part-time employees and COVID-related services in Utah, Oklahoma City, and France.

The donation provided $200,000 in aid to part-time employees at the home arena of the Jazz who were not able to work due to the stoppage. An additional $100,000 was contributed to families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in both Utah and Oklahoma City. Gobert donated 100,000 euros towards pandemic relief in his native country of France.

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

— NBA (@NBA) March 15, 2020

Donovan Mitchell

After testing positive on March 12, Mitchell posted a message on Instagram thanking fans for support.

“Thanks to everyone who has been reaching out since hearing the news about my positive test,” Mitchell wrote on Instagram. “We are all learning more about the seriousness of this situation and hopefully people can continue to educate themselves and realize that they need to behave responsibly both for their own health and for the well being of those around them. I appreciate the authorities in Oklahoma who were helpful with the testing process and everyone from the @utahjazz who have been so supportive. I am going to keep following the advice of our medical staff and hope that we can all come together and be there for each other and our neighbors who need our help.”

A few days later, it was announced that the Jazz guard was donating meals to students in Granite School District while schools are closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“As we all navigate the challenges that have arisen with COVID-19, there are many people impacted. My mom’s career in education made me value children and the importance of academics, and I want to make sure that kids can continue to eat a meal while they can’t go to school,” Mitchell said.

His donation could help up to 10,040 students per day, according to the Utah Jazz.

A message from @spidadmitchell pic.twitter.com/YtChd3eNng

— NBA (@NBA) March 14, 2020

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 at our Staying Safe: Coronavirus section.
• 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 face mask respirator to protect yourself from coronavirus unless a healthcare professional recommends it.

How To Get Help

If you’re worried you may have COVID-19, you can contact the Utah Coronavirus Information Line at 1-800-456-7707 to speak to trained healthcare professionals. You can also use telehealth services through your healthcare providers.

Additional Resources

If you see evidence of PRICE GOUGING, the Utah Attorney General’s Office wants you to report it. Common items in question include toilet paper, water, hand sanitizer, certain household cleaners, and even cold medicine and baby formula. Authorities are asking anyone who sees price gouging to report it to the Utah Division of Consumer Protection at 801-530-6601 or 800-721-7233. The division can also be reached by email at consumerprotection@utah.gov.