Toronto Raptors players in self-isolation after coronavirus exposure
Published March 12, 2020 at 3:09 pm
All Toronto Raptors players, coaches and traveling staff are going into self-isolation after being exposed to the coronavirus during a recent game, the team said in a statement.
The Raptors players and staff were potentially exposed to the virus during a game against the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City on Monday (March 9) night. On Wednesday (March 11) evening, testing revealed that Jazz player Rudy Gobert tested positive for the COVID-19 virus.
As is usual during an NBA game, the players were in close physical contact with Gobert over the course of the game.
The entire NBA season has been cancelled indefinitely as a result of the incident.
“The safety of our players, staff, fans and the media who cover our team is paramount. While we are disappointed the NBA season has been suspended because of the COVID-19 global pandemic, we completely support the league’s decision,” the team said in a statement.
The team says that out of an abundance of caution, members of the Raptors traveling party have been tested for the virus and are awaiting the results.
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In the meantime, players, coaches and traveling staff have all been advised to go into self-isolation for 14 days. The team says its doctors remain in communication with infection control specialists and public health authorities, and that they will continue to abide by their advice.
Since returning from Utah on Tuesday morning, team members have made two public appearances. According to Toronto Public Health, being in close contact with someone who does not have COVID-19, but was exposed to someone with COVID-19, does not constitute a risk for getting COVID-19 and does not require public health follow up.
The team says that people who attended these events should continue to monitor their health, practice social distancing and hand washing, and contact a health professional should they develop symptoms.
“The Raptors are very grateful to our community of fans, friends, and family for their support through this season, and for their understanding as we face this unprecedented situation together,” the statement reads.
Cover photo courtesy of the Raptors’ official Facebook page
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