Utah Jazz Guard Donovan Mitchell Discusses Coronavirus Recovery On Fellow NBA Player’s Podcast

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell discussed his recovery from the coronavirus disease, COVID-19, during a guest appearance on the “Lightharted Podcast” by New Orleans Pelicans guard Josh Hart.

Mitchell joined a live stream of Hart’s podcast on YouTube on Saturday, March 28. The Utah Department of Health cleared Mitchell of isolation on March 27, more than two weeks after he tested positive for the virus.

“When I found out in the morning, that’s when it really hit me. Like ok, this is real and it mainly hit cause I didn’t know what it was. I was healthy,” said Mitchell. “I’m like, am I going to get symptoms? That was the scariest part. I can say that was the craziest thing in my life.

Mitchell said that he’s trying to use his experience to help others understanding the severity of the coronavirus pandemic.

“That’s why I’m really trying to push to tell everyone to stay home,” Mitchell said. “Like I never had symptoms. I still don’t. That’s the crazy part. You go out to the store. You see somebody. Hi. Hello. All smiles and then boom. You have it or they have it and then on top of that you don’t know who they go home to.”

The Jazz guard emphasized the importance of people staying home and staying safe during the pandemic.

“Be selfless and think of others if you can stay home and not go into work,” said Mitchell.

Cleared By Utah Department Of Health

The Utah Jazz announced on March 27 that Mitchell, as well as fellow Jazzman Rudy Gobert, were “no longer pose a risk of infection to others.”

“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.”

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

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.