COVID-19: Usain Bolt tests positive for coronavirus, police investigating possible rule-break
Jamaica's Minister of Health says legendary sprinter Usain Bolt has tested positive for the novel coronavirus.
Minister Christopher Tufton said Bolt was aware of the results and his recent contacts were being traced.
“It is now public knowledge that Mr. Bolt has tested positive. He has been formally notified, I’m told by the authorities,'' Tufton told reporters Monday evening. “'It triggers an approach to questioning, interrogation if you will, which we follow through with contact tracing.”
Prime Minister Andrew Holness said police are investigating the case. He didn't specify what offense might have been committed, though Jamaica has imposed social distancing requirements due to the COVID-19 pandemic
They’re looking into all aspects of the matter. So no one is going to be treated with any exemption or given any special treatment. All Jamaicans have a duty,” he said.
Bolt said on social media Monday that he was awaiting the result of a coronavirus test and was quarantining himself as a precaution.
The 34-year-old retired sprinter who won gold in the 100 and 200 meters at the last three Olympics posted a video on social media to explain the situation.
"I did a test on Saturday [...]. I'm trying to be responsible so I am going to stay in and stay here for my friends," Bolt said in a video statement on Twitter.
He said he had no symptoms but he was going to quarantine himself "just to be safe".
The 34-year-old retired sprinter won gold in the 100 and 200 metres at the last three Olympics, and was known for his poses — his “Lighting Bolt” became iconic — and his post-race celebrations.
Bolt set the world records in both his sprint disciplines at the 2009 world championships in Berlin. He retired in 2017.
Jamaica has a total of 1,612 cases of coronavirus and has seen 16 deaths.
