Coronavirus outbreak: Four Brooklyn Nets players including Durant test positive
NBA star Kevin Durant is reportedly among four Brooklyn Nets players who have tested positive for the new coronavirus and are in isolation. The injured Durant, who is yet to play for the Nets since signing for the club last year, confirmed to The Athletic website he had tested positive for the virus. Here's further details on the same.
"Four Brooklyn Nets players have tested positive for the Covid-19 virus," the team said in a statement. "Of the four, one player is exhibiting symptoms while three are asymptomatic. All four players are presently isolated and under the care of team physicians." Meanwhile, Durant claimed, "Everyone be careful, take care of yourself and quarantine. We're going to get through this," Durant said.
The Nets said they were notifying known contacts of the players including those from teams who played against the Nets shortly before the NBA shut down its season indefinitely on March 12. Western Conference-leading Los Angeles Lakers, were the last team to have played the Nets. Notably, the Lakers were stunned 104-102 by Brooklyn on March 10.
Lakers said in a statement on Tuesday they have been in touch with their own players and staff. "Given the exposure risks from our game against the Nets on March 10th we are following the next steps of our Covid-19 procedures and protocols that are established in consultation with various health officials, the NBA and our UCLA Health doctors," the Lakers said.
Utah Jazz defensive standout Rudy Gobert was the first NBA player to test positive. His illness triggered the NBA's current closure. Team member Donovan Mitchell and Christian Wood of the Detroit Pistons have also tested positive for the virus. Woods was tested after reporting flu-like symptoms to the Pistons medical staff. Meanwhile, Mitchell was tested after Gobert's positive test.
