At the moment, the COVID-19 infected player count is up to two: Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell.

Tests were performed on all the players on the Jazz and the Pelicans, as well as media folks in attendance, due to Rudy Gobert’s diagnosis. Results were expected overnight, as the players somehow got access to those new tests that give results in 4-6 hours. So far, the only other leaked positive case is Mitchell’s.

NBA players and staff are being asked to self-quarantine for the next two weeks — symptoms begin to present themselves in 2-14 days after infection, sometimes on a small scale, sometimes full-blown — and are instructed to see a medical professional with a COVID-19 test as soon as symptoms appear.

The NBA as a league is currently on hold until all cases have run their course and the national pandemic has subsided, which could be weeks or it could be months.

The fact is that every time a new person shows signs and tests positive, every single human with whom they came in contact over the prior 1-2 weeks could possibly be infected. And, those that THEY came in contact with can be infected now. And so on.

That’s how these pandemics spread. You can watch the news or troll the internet for the ever-changing numbers.

But please don’t fall prey to this being a hoax perpetrated for political means. If 30 of the richest people in the world collectively decide to forego millions of dollars of income per week by canceling the games because of this, then you can bet your booty this is REAL.

It’s a real problem.

And no, it’s not just an old people problem. Or an immunocompromised people problem.

You have to know that it’s YOUR problem too because even if you are young and health and will likely, at worst, going to experience a bad cold from which you’ll recover, you then become a carrier and can transmit the virus to anyone else in breath-shot or who you touch, or who touches something that you touched.

Family members, Strangers. Many of whom you have no idea whether they are immune deficient or not. They could get sick. They could get really sick.

Please show caution. Do what you can to create space between you and others.

At my work, we have an open-concept environment with four-foot wall separators between cubicles to encourage collaboration. Many employee sit all day within 3-4 feet of others. That’s too close.

Now, we are finding new work spaces to create the necessary space, offering extra telecommute opportunities, and begging people to stay home at the slightest sign of sickness (no, Bob, it’s NOT ‘just allergies’!).

Be careful, on your own behalf and on the behalf of others.

Coronavirus Symptoms, How it Spreads, Prevention

Below you’ll find the CDC’s information for identifying symptoms, how COVID-19 spreads, and, most importantly, PREVENTION. More information than found below can be found at:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Symptoms

Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.

The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

⚠️ Call your doctor: If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider immediately.

How it is spread

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

• Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
• Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Can someone spread the virus without being sick?

• People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest).
• Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this occurring with this new coronavirus, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

Spread from contact with contaminated surfaces or objects

It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

PREVENTION

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.

CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.

Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty, and even if they are not dirty. There’s no such clean as ‘too clean’.