New Orleans Saints Head Coach Sean Payton Tests Positive For COVID-19

NEW ORLEANS, La. – New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton tested positive for the coronavirus disease, COVID-19.

Payton confirmed on Thursday, March 19 that he tested positive for the disease.

According to ESPN, Payton is the “first person in the NFL world known to test positive for the virus.”

Appreciate the well wishes. I'm feeling better and fortunate to not have any of the respiratory symptoms. 4 more days at home.#BEATCovid pic.twitter.com/vvjbnqoeZx

— Sean Payton (@SeanPayton) March 19, 2020

“This is not just about social distancing,” Payton told ESPN. “It’s shutting down here for a week to two weeks. If people understand the curve and understand the bump, we can easily work together as a country to reduce it. Take a minute to understand what the experts are saying. It’s not complicated to do what they’re asking of us. Just that type of small investment by every one of us will have a dramatic impact.

Saints’ HC Sean Payton tested positive for the coronavirus, he told ESPN on Thursday. Payton is the first person in the NFL world known to test positive for the virus.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 19, 2020

Payton told ESPN that he wants everyone to listen to government warnings about the coronavirus, stay inside, and behave responsibly.

Sean Payton said he came forward with his coronavirus diagnosis because he wants all people to heed the warnings of government officials, stay inside, and behave responsibly. More ahead on ESPN.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 19, 2020

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said that Payton felt ill over the weekend and was tested for the virus.

Sean Payton, who attended a race at Oaklawn Park on Saturday, felt like he was coming down with a cold and wasn’t feeling right. Got tested, and was found to have the coronavirus. It sounds like he’s feeling better now.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 19, 2020

Rapoport said that Payton is feeling better.

“I was fortunate to be in the minority, without the serious side effects that some have. I’m lucky,” Payton said. “Younger people feel like they can handle this, but they can be a carrier to someone who can’t handle it. So we all need to do our part. It’s important for every one of us to do our part.”

Payton has been New Orleans’ head coach since 2006. He currently coaches former BYU quarterback Taysom Hill, who is the Saints backup QB behind Drew Brees.

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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.