Celtics guard Marcus Smart took to Twitter Thursday night to announce that he has tested positive for the coronavirus.
In a short video, he said that he's feeling fine and isn't exhibiting any symptoms.
I was tested 5 days ago and the results came back tonight, which were positive. Ive been self quarantined since the test, thank goodness. COVID-19 must be taken w the highest of seriousness. I know it’s a #1 priority for our nations health experts, & we must get more testing ASAP pic.twitter.com/xkijb9wlKV
— marcus smart (@smart_MS3) March 19, 2020
"I'm OK, I feel fine. I don't feel any of the symptoms. But I can't stress enough of practicing social distancing and really, you know, keeping yourself away from a large group of people," he said in the video. "And just really washing your hands. And help protect yourself and help protect others by protecting yourself."
He also tweeted about the seriousness of the situation, urging young people to self-distance. He wrote that he's been self-quarantined since the test.
Although they didn't name him, the Celtics announced in a statement that one of their players had tested positive and that he'll be monitored by team medical staff.
The news camesthe week after the NBA suspended games after a player for the Utah Jazz tested positive for the coronavirus.
That announcement came just about a week after the Celtics played the Jazz at TD Garden. All the Celtics players have been tested since then.
Since the league shut down play, several NBA players on multiple teams, including stars like Nets forward Kevin Durant, have tested positive for the virus. Smart is the first in Boston to come back with a positive test.
