Usain Bolt Confirmed Positive For COVID-19

Retired Jamaican sprint star Usain Bolt has been informed that he tested positive for the coronavirus COVID-19.

The confirmation comes this evening from the Jamaican Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Christopher Tufton during a virtual press conference, after media reports surfaced this morning that revealed the sprinter was tested for COVID-19 following a birthday party.

Bolt is among 83 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 on the island today. “Of the 83 newly confirmed cases, there were 33 males and 50 females, with ages ranging from four months to 92 years,” the Minister said.

There are 29,724 individuals in home quarantine in Jamaica, 45 in isolation at government facilities, and 605 in home isolation, according to Tufton.

The world record holder celebrated his 34th birthday on Friday (August 21) with a mega, surprise birthday bash at the Football Factory in Jamaica that was attended by several Jamaican celebrities, sportsmen, and Dancehall artistes.   Video clips of the celebration showed little to no use of masks or social distancing.

Tufton during the press conference also added that contact tracing has begun.

Several attendees of the birthday party are suspected to be in breach of quarantine orders since they were recent arrivals on the island.   The Jamaican Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, said the police are investigating.

At least one person from Bolt’s party attended Beenie Man’s birthday party the next day.

Bolt, in a video today, responded to the media reports and said he had taken the test in preparation for a business trip on Tuesday and up to that time had not received confirmation from Jamaican Health officials.  He added that he displayed no symptoms of the virus but will remain in self-insolation at home until he receives guidance.

“I did a test on Saturday to leave (the island) because I have work. I am trying to be responsible, so I am going to stay in and be safe. Also, I am having no symptoms, I will quarantine myself and wait on the confirmation to see what is the protocol and to see how I go about quarantining myself from the Ministry of Health,” he said.