BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart announced on Twitter Thursday night that he has tested positive for COVID-19.
"So I just found out I tested positive for the coronavirus," Smart said in a video posted online. "I'm okay, I feel fine, I don't feel any of the symptoms, but I can't stress enough practicing social distancing and really keeping yourself away from a large group of people, and washing your hands, and help protect yourself, and protect others by protecting yourself."
Shortly before Smart posted the video, the Celtics said in a release that they learned Thursday that a player on the team had tested positive.
The Celtics said Smart has been in isolation for several days, and will stay in isolation while being monitored by Celtics medical staff.
"Taking steps to maintain the health and safety of everyone in our organization and across the NBA remains our top priority, and we will continue to work closely with health officials and the league in addressing this situation," the team wrote.
Smart hasn't shown symptoms, but was tested due to exposure to Utah Jazz players who tested positive for the virus.
"Testing was initiated because of an exposure to a known positive case," the team's release said.
On March 11, five days after the Celtics played the Jazz at TD Garden, the news broke that Jazz player Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19. A second Jazz player also tested positive shortly after.
That prompted the Celtics to announce on March 12 that players and staff who had contact with the Jazz players were self-quarantining and being tested. Smart said Thursday night that he was tested five days ago.
Smart called on young people to practice social distancing, as advised by the CDC.
"The younger generation in our country MUST self distance," he tweeted. "This is not a joke. Not doing so is selfish. Together we can beat this, but we must beat it together by being apart for a short while. Much love!!"
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